President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has welcomed His Excellency Dr. Yayi Boni of Benin who also doubles as Chairman of the African Union.

According to President Koroma Sierra Leone continues to commit itself to the African Charter which binds all countries in the African Union.

He lamented the difficulties African Countries had gone through in the past, but said that with the new leadership at the union, the challenges facing African countries would be challenges of the past.

He thanked other African countries for the opportunity given to Sierra Leone to serve at that level.

President Koroma promised to provide a level playing field to all political parties especially the major ones, saying the equitable distribution of the resources of the country will be done in accordance with the spirit of good governance.

“We look forward to the continued support and collaboration from the AU”, he concluded.

President Dr. Yayi Boni on his part said, he was speaking for and on behalf of the African continent, while profusely thanking President Koroma for holding democratic elections under his watch.

He noted that the winners in Sierra Leone’s elections are the people of Sierra Leone.

He also congratulated President Koroma and maintained that the entire African continent recognizes President Koroma as the legitimate President of Sierra Leone.

“Thank you very much my brother and you have worked very well to strengthen the culture of democracy in Sierra Leone”, he said.

President Boni also commended the opposition for being quiet, saying, “I salute the opposition for their comportment during and after the elections”.

He called on the President to strengthen democracy among the opposition and the entire country.

He pledged the unflinching support of the AU for President Koroma’s strides to develop and transform the country in the health sector, the energy sector, the agricultural sector, the employment of the youths etc.

“Sierra Leone is part of the new Africa that has dawned in the continent, adding that President Koroma should not forget to advocate African interests at the G8 and G20 summit in order to convince our partners.

President Boni repeatedly said that he trusts his Sierra Leonean counterpart to continue to strengthen democracy, the environment, infrastructure to link African countries.

He noted that only Africa can develop and invest in Africa. President Dr. Yayi Boni also noted that in his discussions with President Koroma he has no doubt that education will continue to receive rapt attention by his leadership of the country, especially after his successful reelection.