11 November, 2008

Press Secretariat, State House

President Koroma Welcomes New Diplomats, Signs Condolence Book for APC MP

President Ernest Bai Koroma today welcomed the new Ambassadors of Japan and Guinea Bissau to Sierra Leone in two separate ceremonies at State House.

The first to present his letter of credence was Mr. Keiichi Katakami, who, on behalf of the Emperor of Japan, conveyed the hope that the cordial and friendly relations between Japan and Sierra Leone would be further strengthened. He said the Government and people of Japan, with an experience in post-World War reconstruction, are proud and willing to contribute to the reconstruction and stability of Sierra Leone.

“The project to urgently improve the supply of electricity in Freetown is well underway. In addition, [an] agreement was signed in August on food aid to be delivered to Sierra Leone. To address the needs of [the] rural population, JICA has been formulating development models on the ground to be replicated nationwide, in areas of agriculture, water supply, healthcare and communal education. In the area of capacity building, 239 Sierra Leonean nationals have been invited to Japan so far to receive technical training,” he declared.  The envoy went on to assure the President of Japan’s continuing support to Sierra Leone “in laying the basis for peace and prosperity, and I shall dedicate myself to strengthening existing warm and sincere relationship between our two countries.”

Responding, President Koroma expressed delight in receiving the letter of credence from the ambassador, while thanking the Government of Japan for the keen interest over recent developments in Sierra Leone. “We are aware that the nations of the world are caught up today in the current global financial crisis coming in the wake of rising food and fuel costs. The task ahead now is how to ensure the availability of food stuff to our people at affordable cost… That is why we heartily welcome all the assistance provided by the international community and particularly friendly countries such as yours,” the Head of State recalled.

On his part, Mr. Amadou Idrissa, in presenting his credentials from President Joao Bernardo Vieira, assured President Koroma that he would, as a priority task, work for “the preservation of the friendly relationship and cooperation and its various advantages to the development and progress of our two brotherly countries.”

President Koroma responded by saying that “the issues that bind our two countries and peoples together are deeply rooted in our history and tradition. These shared values, more than ever, continue to distinguish us as brotherly nations, rekindle our minds to stronger friendly ties and create a bond that will continue to grow in the years ahead.”

The Head of State noted that the people of Sierra Leone are determined to rise above partisan politics “and to work hard to sustain the peace and democracy we have achieved. This is the legacy we hope to bequeath to our children.”

Acting Minster of Foreign Affairs Vandi Minah presided over the ceremonies in the presence of other ministers, including Defence, Presidential Affairs, Works, Employment, Education, Energy & Power, Transport & Aviation. Also present were top military brass of both IMATT and RSLAF, together with the Secretary to the President.

After that, the President had an outdoor engagement as he traveled to the APC party headquaters and to parliament building where he and his Vice President led in signing the books of condolence opened for the late APC MP Cecil Osho-Williams who died after a short illness recently and would be buried later this week.

President Koroma Chairs National HIV/AIDS Council Meeting

In another engagement today, President Koroma chaired the National HIV/Aids Council (NAC) meeting, which was held at State House.

In his opening remarks, the President, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, especially those living with HIV/AIDS, welcomed both old and new members, while underlining his commitment in the national campaign to address issues relating to HIV/AIDS.

He noted that, “Our drive towards achieving Universal Access and scaling up our interventions is placing increasing demands on the Secretariat to deliver… Our commitment as Council to the work of the Secretariat will be measured on the resources that we provide towards the national response, which could either be technical, financial or both. Now is the time the Secretariat needs more support to achieve Universal Access in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010 and to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015. We will need to implement, and implement rapidly, the many different aspects of the programme to meet those targets. What better group to look to for solutions than the Council taking into account your special skills, talents and distinguished career put together.”

In his welcome address Dr Brima Kargbo of the AIDS Secretariat said AIDS prevalence for the past three years still stands at 1.5 percent, being the lowest in the sub-region. He called on all to put their shoulders to the wheel in order to make perfection real

Participants discussed various topics, including the Joint Programme Review of the Implementation of the National Strategic Framework, the Operational Plan for HIV & AIDS Response 2009-2010, and the Reactivation of the District AIDS Committees within the Districts and City Councils. Representatives were drawn from government, civil society, NGOs and international agencies.

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!