Ambassador Ishata Thomas Engages Awqaf’s Foreign Relations and Media Undersecretary, Appeals for More Support for Sierra Leone

2^nd November 2023, Ministry of Awqaf, Riqqea

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas has today engaged the Undersecretary of Foreign Relations and Media of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, His Excellency Mohammad Nassar Al-Motairi on a broad range of development activities between the two countries.

In her statement, Ambassador Haja Ishata Thoams extended appreciation to Awqaf’s Foreign Relations Undersecretary for scheduling the meeting to discuss pertinent issues bordering on development, while acknowledging the numerous strides of the Ministry of Awqaf in supporting the Republic of Sierra Leone in achieving its development aspiration.

Highlighting the outstanding development initiative between the two countries, she presented a case for the resumption of training for Sierra Leonean Imams, which was put on hold due to the outbreak of Ebola in 2014. On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Awqaf for the provision of two scholarships for deserving Sierra Leoneans who are currently in Kuwait, adding that Sierra Leone is looking forward to more opportunities in the future as the two countries have ratified Education Agreement.

“I wish to also bring to your kind attention outstanding development initiatives between our two friendly countries, including the construction of the Grand Mosque in the name of His Highness Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, (Late) Amir of the State of Kuwait, construction of the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), construction of schools and provision of learning materials for pupils, provision of Hajj Scholarship for 2024 and the construction of the Six (6) Technical/Vocational institutes in Falaba, Karene, Makeni, Port Loko, Mattru Jong, and Koindu in Sierra Leone in Sierra Leone,” Ambassador Ishata Thomas outlined.

Her Excellency requested the favourable consideration of the Ministry of Awqaf in spearheading the implementation of the outstanding projects in Sierra Leone to further strengthen and deepen ties between the two countries.

Responding to the various proposals, the Undersecretary of Foreign Relations and Media of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, His Excellency Mohammad Nassar Al-Motairi expressed his excitement to meet with Sierra Leone’s representative, citing that it was a step to further boost cooperation between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Sierra Leone.

“The Ministry of Awqaf has noted all the pending projects to be implemented in Sierra Leone; we will make a frantic effort to facilitate the process. The State of Kuwait acknowledges that Sierra Leone needs support to actualise its Human Capital Development ambition. We will do our best to support the country in this regard,” the Undersecretary stated.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs is responsible for providing support to construct schools, hospitals, and mosques, including promoting Islamic science and technology and humanitarian aid after natural disasters through any charitable organisation accredited by the Kuwait Foreign Ministry.

Cyril Barnes, Information Attaché,

Sierra Leone Embassy, The State of Kuwait

Contact: +96599827207