Minister Richmond begins visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, today (Monday 7 April) begins a week-long visit to Sierra Leone and Liberia focused on strengthening Ireland’s political and development cooperation links with both countries.

Minister Richmond will meet with President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Wonie Bio and President of Liberia Joseph Boakai, as well as meeting with development cooperation partners including GOAL and Concern Worldwide. He will also meet with members of the Irish community in both countries.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Minister Richmond said:

“The government is committed to building and strengthening Ireland’s relationships across Africa. We are one of the few EU countries with embassies in both Sierra Leone and Liberia, which means we are well placed to build our political, trade and cultural links across both countries.

“Ireland has a long history of engagement with both Sierra Leone and Liberia. The work of Irish Aid and our development partners including GOAL, Concern Worldwide and Trócaire continues to have a really positive impact in people’s lives, in particular marginalised women and girls. At a time when the aid sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, it is important that Ireland continues to increase its commitment to development cooperation. Ireland’s commitment to both Sierra Leone and Liberia is long-term. I look forward to meeting with President Bio and President Boakai to discuss opportunities to further strengthen the links between our countries.”

Minister Richmond arrives in Sierra Leone on Sunday and will spend Monday and Tuesday in political engagements, meeting with Ireland’s development cooperation partners, including GOAL and the Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation, and members of the Irish diaspora.

On Wednesday Minister Richmond will cross into Liberia, where he will stay until Friday evening. The visit to Liberia will take in political meetings and visits to programmes funded by Irish Aid, including one implemented by Concern Worldwide. The Minister will also host a small reception for members of the Irish community in Liberia.