As part of efforts to deepen parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Javad Dehghan, on Tuesday 3rd November 2026, paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas.
The Ambassador was received by the Speaker in the presence of the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma. The visit was aimed at strengthening legislative ties and to extend an invitation for an exchange visit between the two Parliaments.
Addressing the Speaker, Ambassador Dehghan called for enhanced parliamentary diplomacy between Sierra Leone and Iran. He requested the Rt. Hon. Speaker to constitute a parliamentary delegation to visit the Speaker and Parliament of Iran to further solidify bilateral relations.
The Ambassador assured that Iran is ready to expand cooperation with Sierra Leone in the areas of parliamentary engagement, diplomacy and economic development. He acknowledged the existence of the Sierra Leone-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group and pledged his support for its revitalization and effective functioning.
Ambassador Dehghan also briefed the leadership of Parliament on current challenges facing Iran in the context of regional tensions, including the implications of the America-Israel conflict.
He however emphasized that Iran remains a peace-loving nation committed to dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation. He expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the Speaker and opposition leaders for the warm audience.
In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas thanked Ambassador Dehghan for the courtesy call and warmly welcomed him to the Parliament of Sierra Leone and to the country at large.
Speaker Thomas affirmed that Sierra Leone and Iran have enjoyed long-standing sisterly relations spanning many years. He assured that the Sixth Parliament under his leadership will continue to deepen those diplomatic ties.
The Speaker confirmed his willingness and availability to meet with his counterpart, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, and to lead a delegation to Iran at a mutually convenient time.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone Parliament’s commitment to peace, parliamentary diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
The courtesy call ended with renewed commitment from both sides to strengthen legislative exchanges and promote shared values through parliamentary friendship.
Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, Parliament of Sierra Leone.
