By State House Communication Unit
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, December 8, 2015/ — His Excellency President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma on Tuesday received the credentials of four newly accredited ambassadors and a High Commissioner to the Republic of Sierra Leone at a ceremony at State House, Freetown.
They were Mr. Wolfgang Wiethoff of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Noh Kyu-duk of the Republic of South Korea, Ms. Lulamamary-Theresa Xingawana of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Hugues Chantry of the Kingdom of Belgium and Mr. Thomas Litscher of the Swiss Confederation.
President Koroma called on the ambassadors to use their diplomatic, technical, trade and investment support and cooperation in Sierra Leone’s recovery process and in tapping opportunities for great returns that will benefit all sides. He thanked their respective governments for supporting Sierra Leone during the height of the Ebola epidemic.
The president informed about the ongoing implementation of the post Ebola recovery plan that prioritizes four key areas – health, education, social protection and reviving the economy through private sector promotion. He encouraged the envoys to make use of the immense opportunities for returns unto investments in the mining, marine, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.
The head of state also used the occasion to canvass support for Africa’s representation in the Permanent category on the United Nations Security Council. “As Coordinator of the Africa Union Committee of Ten on the Reform of the United Nations, we also seek Germany’s support for Africa’s demands for two permanent seats in the global body. We need a United Nations that reflects current global aspirations for greater inclusiveness in the world’s premier global agencies,” he said.
President Koroma assured them of his personal support and that of the people and Government of Sierra Leone in the discharge of their duties as ambassadors of their own countries.
The Ambassadors pledged to continue to strengthen and promote the existing cordial ties and fruitful cooperation between their countries and Sierra Leone and also improve on the good works of their predecessors. They also expressed strong admiration for the leadership qualities of President Koroma in the fight against the Ebola virus disease.
Upon arrival at State House, the Ambassadors and High Commissioner inspected the guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the 5th Infantry Battalion of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) as a military band played the national anthem of Sierra Leone and the ambassadors’ respective countries.
Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and senior State Housestaffers attended the ceremony.
