The Minister of Planning and Economic Development and Sierra Leone’s Focal Person for ECOWAS Affairs, H.E. Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, on Tuesday engaged in a high-level meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Conference Hall in Freetown. The engagement followed the inaugural meeting between H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and newly appointed Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, and the ECOWAS Commission, marking the official start of his leadership role within the regional body. Discussions during the meeting focused on how H.E. President Bio’s Chairmanship can contribute meaningfully to regional peace, stability, and development. H.E. Minister Barlay presented the strategic vision of the Chairperson, which is anchored on four overarching priorities. These include promoting the restoration of constitutional order and strengthening democratic governance across the ECOWAS region; enhancing and revitalizing regional security cooperation to effectively address emerging threats; advancing economic integration and removing trade barriers to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development; and reinforcing the institutional credibility of ECOWAS to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate and build trust among member states and citizens. H.E. Minister Barlay expressed gratitude to H.E. Dr. Touray for the Commission’s consistent support to Sierra Leone in critical sectors such as peace and security, trade, human capital development, and humanitarian assistance. She specifically acknowledged the ECOWAS Commission’s contributions to ongoing national development initiatives. She informed the ECOWAS Commission President about the completion of the ECOWAS Regional Logistics Depot in Lungi and expressed eagerness for its official commissioning. She also highlighted the expected commencement of the Bo–Waterside–Jendema Joint Border Post project between Sierra Leone and Liberia, which is intended to strengthen cross-border cooperation and regional trade facilitation. In turn, H.E. Dr. Touray commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its strong leadership and proactive engagement in ECOWAS affairs. He reaffirmed the Commission’s continued support to Sierra Leone and lauded H.E. President Bio’s vision for a stronger and more united ECOWAS. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and ensure the successful delivery of the ECOWAS Chairmanship agenda under Sierra Leone’s leadership. *For more information, please contact Alfred Kabia at +232 79174027, or visit MoPED’s social media platforms*: Twitter (@moped2025), Facebook, or the official website at www.moped.gov.sl.