A high-level Indian parliamentary delegation, led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, met with Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator of Sierra Leone, and his team on Thursday (local time) in Freetown to discuss the global threat of terrorism.
Also present at the meeting was Deputy National Security Coordinator Ahmed A. Sannoh, who described the discussion as productive and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s solidarity in the international fight against terrorism.
“I am happy to report that we had a fruitful discussion around the issue of the global threat of terrorism. We believe that Sierra Leone must do whatever it is able to do in its own power to support the international fight against terrorism. So, we sympathise with all those who are victims of that carnage, we hope and pray that peace will reign in the world more than hostility and hatred,” Sannoh said.
Speaking to media, Sannoh further emphasized Sierra Leone’s readiness to contribute to the global anti-terrorism campaign.
“I think Sierra Leone is willing to be collaborative and would be prepared to do whatever it can in its power to be able to complement the global efforts towards fighting a crime of that nature,” he added.
In a symbolic and heartfelt gesture, the Parliament of Sierra Leone observed a moment of silence to honour the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, in the presence of the visiting Indian delegation.
The delegation is visiting Sierra Leone as part of a broader global outreach programme aimed at informing international partners about India’s response to the Pahalgam attack and strengthening global cooperation against cross-border terrorism.
The delegation was received upon arrival by Baisnab Charan Pradhan, the High Commissioner of India to Sierra Leone.
Prominent members of the delegation include BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, Manan Kumar Mishra, Indian Union Muslim League MP ET Mohammed Basheer, Biju Janata Dal’s Sasmit Patra, BJP leader SS Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy.