The Embassy of Guinea

H.E. Aliou Barry

H.E. Aliou Barry, an experienced diplomat renowned for his comprehensive experience in political affairs, peace, security, and high-level negotiations, has significantly contributed to the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS. His career has been characterized by pivotal roles that underscore his expertise in fostering dialogue and peace in challenging contexts.

In his distinguished service, Ambassador Barry was Head of Political Affairs and Principal Political Advisor to Burundi's late President Pierre BUYOYA within the African Union Mission for Mali, the Sahel, and the ECOWAS Countries (MISAHEL). This was under the aegis of the Peace, Political Affairs, and Security Department of the African Union Commission. Notably, he co-chaired, alongside the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the critical Subcommittee of Political and Institutional Questions of the Mali Peace Agreement. His responsibilities included presenting the Subcommittee's efforts at international mediation meetings and working in tandem with the Diplomatic Corps and the Francophonie to navigate the multifaceted crisis in the Sahel.

Ambassador Barry's expertise was further recognized as a Civil Affairs Specialist and Special Advisor to the United Nations Deputy Special Representative for the Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). His impact extended to his service as a Civil Affairs Specialist within the United Nations Mission for Stabilization in Mali (MINUSMA) based in Bamako, where his work contributed significantly to peacekeeping efforts.

Beyond his involvement in peace and security missions, Ambassador Barry's professional background includes serving as a Consultant at the Directorate General for Development at the European Commission in Brussels and engaging in internships at the European Commission and Parliament in Brussels. These experiences have enriched his understanding of international development and policy-making processes.

Ambassador Barry's foundation is academically in international development cooperation and labour science. He holds degrees from the Free University of Brussels (Belgium): the Diploma of Specialized Studies (DES) in International Development Cooperation and the Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Labor Science.

His linguistic proficiency encompasses French, English, and Arabic, enabling him to communicate effectively across diverse cultures and diplomatic platforms. Ambassador Barry's career reflects a profound dedication to peacebuilding, diplomacy, and international cooperation.

Married and the father of two children.

In the first decades after Guinea gained independence (1958), relations between Germany and Guinea were unstable, and broke down completely 1970-1975. However, following the first democratic presidential elections in 2010, relations between the two countries normalized and presently Germany is held in high regard in Guinea.

In recent years, the two countries have maintained a good economic relationship, with importations and exportations occuring on both sides. There are also several German private-sector companies working in Guinea.

Concerning development cooperation, the current focus is on Basic Social Services, Basic Education (with private initiatives, such as the German Adult Education Association; and social projects concerning World Peace Service), and Reproductive and Family Health. As part of humanitarian aid to combat the Ebola epidemic, the Federal Government of Germany provided a fund of 7,8 million euros to Guinea.