Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of China with accreditation to several other countries in the South-East Asia Pacific, Victor Bockarie Foh, on Wednesday 17th September, presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, His Excellency President Truong Tan Sang, at his Presidential Palace.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Republic of Sierra Leone established diplomatic relations over 32 (Forty-Two) years ago on June 24, 1982. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is amongst 11(Eleven) other countries to which the Sierra Leone Ambassador resident in Beijing, People’s Republic of China is accredited to. The other countries of his accreditation include Australia, New Zealand, Royal Thailand, Democratic Republic of Korea, Republic of Japan, Republic of Indonesia, Singapore, Republic of India, Republic of Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
Speaking at the presentation of credentials ceremony, Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh conveyed warm greetings and felicitations from His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, the Government and people of Sierra Leone to His Excellency President Truong Tan Sang, the Government and people of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
About his appointment by H.E. President Koroma as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Ambassador Foh said that it is a demonstration of the importance Sierra Leone attaches to the already existing cordial ties between the two countries and promised to serve diligently in the interest of both countries.
Ambassador Foh promised to work towards strengthening the relationship between the Republics of Sierra Leone and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. He used the occasion to thank President Truong Tan Sang for Vietnam’s support to Sierra Leone over the years especially in the area of agriculture and food security.
About the Ebola virus currently challenging Sierra Leone and the West African Sub-Region, Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh gave an update of the seriousness of this health hazard and it’s debilitating effect on our people and our country’s economy. He highlighted efforts being made by His Excellency President Koroma and the Government of Sierra Leone in the fight against the Ebola and appealed to President Sang and the government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to join fight and eradicate the Ebola menace.
Ambassador Foh thanked His Excellency President Sang, the government and people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for South-South Cooperation and Commodity Aid, more especially RICE, to Sierra Leone.
In the area of International Corporation, Ambassador Foh assured President Truong Tan Sang that he will expeditiously communicate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation of Sierra Leone for necessary action in the interests of our two Republics.
President Truong Tan Sang congratulated Ambassador Victor Bockarie Foh for his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and wished him success in the discharge of his assignment.
He congratulated Sierra Leone for recording very satisfactory growth rate over the last two years. On behalf of the Government and people of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, President Sang expressed great concern and sympathy with the Government and people of Sierra Leone following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease which is killing people.
“With resolve of the Government of Sierra Leone and help of the International Community, Sierra Leone is sure to overcome the Ebola and move forward”, he said.
After His Excellency Ambassador Foh’s presentation, six other Ambassadors – from Iceland, Tunisia, Tanzania, Guatemala, Georgia and Mali, in this order, also presented their Letters of Credence to President Sang.
Prior to the presentation of the Original Letter of Credence, on Tuesday, 16th September, Ambassador Foh met and handed over copy of the said Letters of Credence to Mr. Cao Chinh Thien, Chief of State Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Foh will meet with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Africa, H.E Mr. Vu Hong Nam and Representative of the Board of Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Viet Nam before he returns to Beijing, PRC September 19th.
John Baimba Sesay
Press Attaché
SL Embassy China
(Report compiled at Melia Hanoi Hotel, Viet Nam)
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