By Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia.
Parliament has approved Mr. Abdul Aziz Turay, who was appointed by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to serve as Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Abdul Aziz Turay was unanimously approved in the Well of Parliament on Tuesday, 16th July, 2024, following his successful interview at the Committee on Appointment and Public Service, on Thursday, 11th July, 2024.
Mr. Turay was approved together with eight other Presidential nominees, including Mr. Momodu Koroma, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Morocco, Madam Martha Consilia Kanagbo, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to The Gambia, Mr. Paul Sobba Massquoi, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the Republic of South Korea and Mr. Daniel Katibie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration, among others.
Acting Opposition Leader, Hon Aruna Aaron Koroma, said they as opposition would always support what is in the interest of the country, and advised the nominees to serve well and not to disappoint the President.
Hon. Dr. Upha G. Koroma of the Western Area Urban urged the new Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to work collaboratively with the Ambassador and the Mission in improving on the Hajj pilgrimage as well as strengthening bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia.
In his felicitation, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, congratulated them, on behalf of Parliament and the people of Sierra Leone. He said that the offices the nominees were going to occupy had been occupied by other people before. He said “every year, allocations are made to those offices, but things are not happening.” He urged the nominees to change the dynamics. “Don’t allow anyone to corrupt you. Go and serve the people well,” he said.
Mr. Abdul Aziz Turay is succeeding Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Koroma who assumed office as Deputy Chief of Mission in 2019. Mr. Turay is bringing in a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. With over 15 years of international experience, Mr. Turay has held key positions within various government departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Chief Minister’s Office under the Office of the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the EU.
During his illustrious career, Mr. Turay served in diverse capacities, including Director of Europe, Director Americas and South Pacific, Director Middle East and Asia, and Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His expertise spans a wide range of policy areas such as national security, development, governance, diplomacy, international affairs, and public financial management.
Mr. Turay’s international experience extends across different regions, including East Africa, Central Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe. He has also served as a Parliamentary Assistant in the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, further enriching his diplomatic acumen.
Abdul Aziz Turay holds a BA in International Relations and a Masters in Conflict, Security, and Development from the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. Known for his dedication and diplomatic finesse, Mr. Turay is committed to fostering strong relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia while advancing the interests of Sierra Leone in the Kingdom.
