New Brazilian and German ambassadors pledge support for Sierra Leone

The new Ambassadors of Brazil and Germany to Sierra Leone recently pledged continued support to Sierra Leone while respectively presenting their credentials to President Ernest Bai Koroma in an impressive ceremony attended by top government officials at State House in Freetown.

Presenting his credentials, the Brazilian Ambassador Jose Fiuza Neto said about 76 million African descendants live in Brazil, together with their culture, music and cuisine. He added that the Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between Sierra Leone and Brazil and the President’s scheduled visit to Brazil next week will further enhance bilateral relations and strengthen business in Agriculture, Health, Commerce and Education.

According, to the Ambassador, Brazil’s commitment to Africa goes beyond the continent’s economic importance, and that Brazilian businessmen are looking forward to opening up viable businesses in Sierra Leone.

Responding, President Koroma noted the kind sentiments expressed by the Ambassador, while underlining that “Brazil, with 76 million people of African descent, has a significant number of people in its population who are just like us here in Sierra Leone. It is not surprising therefore that we share similar values, goals, and ideas which have brought our two countries closer together. I am convinced that Brazil and Sierra Leone would work together collectively for the common good of our peoples.”

The Head of State expressed thanks to Brazilian President Lula da Silva for extending an invitation to visit Brazil, “I have received the invitation to visit your great country and very much look forward to making the trip.” The President noted Brazil’s development strides over the years and how “Sierra Leone stands to benefit from this remarkable success through the South-South cooperation initiatives that we are currently developing.” President Koroma made mention of his realistic ‘Agenda for Change’ that prioritises the development of Energy, Agriculture, and infrastructure, in which he expected Brazil to play a part in transforming Sierra Leone.

On the Ambassador’s expression of his country’s entrepreneurs’ interest in Sierra Leone, President Koroma said, “The intentions of your entrepreneurs who are ready to engage with Sierra Leonean entrepreneurs shows that Brazil is ready to cooperate with Sierra Leonean business enterprises for the betterment of all concerned.”

Also presenting his letter of credence was the new German Ambassador Thomas Freudenhammer who assured the President that his appointment will no doubt enhance the existing good relationship between the two countries. He commended the President for the democracy enjoyed in the country, the efficiency of the Special Court and the conduction of free and fair elections. He promised that the German Government will stand side by side with the Sierra Leonean Government and continue to contribute funds to the EU to support the country and make it one of her major trading partners.

According to the Ambassador, the German Government supports the Mano River Union and ECOWAS, as both will help in the challenges facing the African Continent.

In his response, President Koroma welcomed the Ambassador “most warmly… we cherish our relations with Germany as an important traditional development partner…”, while reiterating how the ‘Agenda for Change’ is “driving the process of alleviating poverty among our people”

The President was grateful for the “numerous contributions that the Federal Republic of Germany has made towards the development of our country particularly in areas such as Education, support of the Anti-Corruption Drive, Poverty Reduction and Employment promotion for youths.”

President Koroma had words of commendation for Sierra Leone’s democracy: “On democratic governance and peace building, you will certainly agree with me that Sierra Leone has made some remarkable progress since the war. Sierra Leone has not only set a good example on how to manage affairs in a post-conflict situation, but has confirmed her democratic credentials by conducting successive elections for President, Parliament, and Local Councils in a free, fair and non-violence atmosphere. We also peacefully transferred power from a ruling party to the opposition. The signing of a joint communiqué between the ruling APC and the opposition SLPP for peaceful coexistence and political tolerance following violent clashes between supporters of the two main parties, is a clear indication of my Government’s determination to maintain the rule of law and to promote peace and political tolerance.”

The Head of State also extolled the excellent relations existing among the countries that form the Mano River Union, as he is greatly “encouraged by the determination of your government to assist in strengthening regional integration through the Mano River Union and ECOWAS.” He noted that “it is one thing to end a war, but quite another to consolidate the peace and undertake development,” the reason for which the Peace Building Commission was formed. He therefore hoped that Germany “will continue to work with other members of the international community to support my government’s efforts to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, execute the Joint Communiqué and sustain our commitment to the principle of zero tolerance to corruption.”

Among government functionaries present were Vice President Sam Sumana, Minister of Presidential Affairs Joe Koroma Minister of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs Alpha Kanu, Minister of Defence Paolo Conteh, Minister of Information I.B. Kargbo, Minister of Marine Resources Afsatu Kabba, Minister of Energy & Water Resources Ogunlade Robinson, Minister of Employment Minkhailu Mansaray, Minister of Health Sheku Tejan Koroma, Minister of Tourism Hindolo Trye and Minister of Social Welfare Soccoh Kabia, while the occasion was officiated by Foreign Minister Zainab Bangura.