Bio Holds Final Bilateral Talks With Guterres on Sierra Leone, Africa
President Julius Maada Bio has held a bilateral meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York, with discussions focusing on Sierra Leone’s contribution to global peace and security, Africa’s representation in international institutions and the country’s partnership with the United Nations.
The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly and came as Guterres approaches the end of his tenure as Secretary-General. President Bio noted that the engagement could be their final bilateral meeting during Guterres’ tenure.
Guterres expressed pleasure at receiving President Bio and described him as a symbol of unity in Sierra Leone and across the West African region.
The UN Secretary-General also commended Sierra Leone’s leadership during its 2024–2025 tenure on the UN Security Council, highlighting the country’s efforts to build consensus and its contribution to advancing international peace and security.
Guterres further reaffirmed his commitment to Africa, including his advocacy for greater African representation on the UN Security Council and within international financial institutions.
President Bio expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, for Guterres’ leadership and continued support for Sierra Leone and Africa.
He also acknowledged the support provided by the UN Secretariat during Sierra Leone’s Security Council tenure, saying it enabled the country to participate fully and responsibly in the Council’s work.
On the issue of Security Council reform, President Bio commended Guterres for his continued advocacy for greater African representation and a more equitable multilateral system.
The President also thanked Guterres for the strong partnership between the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during his tenure as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“I thank you for the strong partnership between the United Nations and ECOWAS during my chairmanship, as well as for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in our summit in Lungi,” President Bio said.
Looking ahead, President Bio informed the UN Secretary-General of Sierra Leone’s intention to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi in November 2026.
He said the initiative reflects Sierra Leone’s intention to give greater priority to the economic foundations of regional stability.
As Guterres approaches the conclusion of his tenure, President Bio said Sierra Leone would remember his commitment to multilateralism, Africa and vulnerable populations.
The meeting concluded with President Bio extending Sierra Leone’s appreciation and best wishes to Guterres as he prepares to leave office.
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