Tony Blair on “low Key” Visit to Sierra Leone

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, on Monday began a two-day visit to Sierra leone after arriving in the country late Sunday evening. Blair, flanked by Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Koroma, told media executives at State House that “Sierra Leone occupies a very personal place in my heart.”

“When a democratically-elected government is in place after a peaceful transition, it sends a message to the international private investment sector that Sierra Leone is a ripe for investment.”

“I am prepared to go to the international community to say that Sierra Leone is a good place to come to. Anything I could do to work alongside you, Mr President, I shall undertake.”

With reference to the African Commission which he helped set up at the G8 Gleneagles summit in 2005, Blair called for “partnership which will keep Africa in the forefront of the agenda.”

Koroma in his statement noted that the former leader ” is here to assist Sierra leone in having a more effective governance in the country.”

Foreign Ministry officials here described the former Prime Minister’s visit as “low key” during which he has already met Sierra Leone’s cabinet ministers in a closed session.

He will travel to the northern town of Port Loko 75 miles (120 km) from the capital to confer with paramount chiefs on what has been described as “chiefdom affairs.”

Blair is an honorary paramount chief in the Port Loko district.

This is Blair’s third visit, the first was in February 2002 shortly after the end of the 10 year rebel war while the second was in May, 2007.

Source African Press Agency

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