The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott:

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio today in Washington. The Deputy and President Bio explored further opportunities for expanding commercial ties, particularly in the critical mineral sector, between the United States and Sierra Leone, as well as strategies for addressing security and border integrity.

Following their meeting, Deputy Secretary Landau witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and U.S. company Aton Path to facilitate the construction of a fuel depot and refinery in Sierra Leone.

Deputy Secretary Landau congratulated President Bio on his appointment as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States and highlighted the benefits of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Sierra Leone Compact, which aims to expand access to affordable electricity.