President Ernest Bai Koroma has received letters of credence from three new ambassadors from Cuba, Czech Republic, and Palestine at separate but interconnected ceremonies at State House.
Presenting his credentials, Cuban Ambassador Dr. Miguel Perez Cruz said he was “fully aware of the significance of such a high mission and the responsibility entrusted to me by my Government to further strengthen the historic ties of friendship and cooperation with the Republic of Sierra Leone.”
He went on to say that, “For Cubans, Africa is an essential part of what we are and what we hope to build in the future. During the colonial times, one million three hundred thousand black slaves were uprooted from their homeland to work in the Spanish colonies at that time. The colonialists could not prevent them from handing over to us their languages, religious beliefs, music and temperament. In keeping with those historic links, we have materialized our selfless and solidarian [sic] cooperation with almost all countries in the region. Let’s take advantage with creativity and political will of the possibilities forged through the history, culture and traditions that unite us with the brotherly people of Sierra Leone...Let’s continue working in favour of the holding of the Sierra Leone-Cuba Joint Commission, which, undoubtedly, will represent a step forward in the cooperation between our two nations. Let’s work tirelessly to promote initiatives that allow us to find mutually viable and beneficial ways in economic and commercial cooperation.”
The envoy ended by expressing confidence that “this solemn ceremony will be the starting point to further strengthen the links that unite our people and governments, on the basis of mutual respect and the free exercise of the self-determination and sovereignty of our peoples.”
While accepting the ambassador’s letter of credence, President Koroma said, “As you have rightly mentioned, our two countries share many common historical experiences. We believe there are many Cubans who could trace their ancestors to persons captured on the shores of Sierra Leone during the era of slavery, and that these Cubans share many traditions with us. In addition, Cuba and Sierra Leone hold similar views on a number of continental and global issues. We have worked closely together, especially at the United Nations, to ensure that peace, security and stability prevail in all countries through peaceful negotiations and settlement of conflicts.” The Head of State also welcomed “possibilities for improvement in the relationship between Cuba and the new administration in the United States.”
On Cuba’s practical support to Sierra Leone, President Koroma said, “One of the main concerns of my government is improving the living standards of my compatriots. In this vein, my Government’s policies place great emphasis on the health sector, and the provision of standard medical equipment to meet the growing demands in the medical field. Let me commend the friendly government and people of Cuba for the kind support we have received in the health sector. My government is particularly grateful for the kind assistance of the Cuban doctors in Sierra Leone, and in the donation of high tech surgical equipment. These have greatly contributed to enhancing the gains we are making in the health sector.”
While remaining committed to fostering initiatives that will yield economic and commercial dividends for both Sierra Leone and Cuba, President Koroma looked forward to greater exchanges in the cultural, educational and sporting sectors: “In this vein, my Government wishes to indicate its readiness to have a Sierra Leone-Cuba Joint Commission set up in order to fast-track cooperation between our two countries.” He concluded on a personal note, hoping that the envoy “will find your assignment in Sierra Leone a rewarding and memorable one.”
On his part, the Czech Ambassador Mr. Miroslav Krenek, in his presentation, recalled that, “Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and Czechoslovakia, of which the Czech Republic is a successor state, date back to 1962. The new chapter of bilateral relations [was] opened on January 1st 1993 when, after [the] dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic was immediately recognized by the Republic of Sierra Leone.”
He further noted that, “The Government and people of the Czech Republic have, with a great deal of interest and appreciation, followed the relentless efforts of the Government and people of Sierra Leone aimed at [the] restoration of stability and rebuilding the country’s economy after a long civil war. The Government of the Czech Republic joins the international community in support of their efforts. [The] 2007 elections through which Your Excellency has assumed the highest office was another important milestone on the way to stability and prosperity,” while promising that he “shall do all in my power to further strengthen bilateral relations and co-operation between our two countries.”
Responding, President Koroma said, “Our two countries have enjoyed good relations for many years, based on mutual respect and friendship. As a country in the heart of Europe, and a member of the European Union, we count on our friendship with the Czech Republic to keep alive support for our developmental aspirations within the European Union. We are very interested in expanding our trade with members of the European Union, and in developing cooperation in the fishing and tourist sectors.” He further welcomed the diplomat’s “determination to consolidate and strengthen the existing cordial relations and fruitful cooperation between our two countries and peoples,” while assuring him of his personal support “as well as that of the Government and people of the Republic of Sierra Leone.”
The Palestinian Ambassador, Mr. Saadi Almutaizi, in his own presentation, declared that, “Sierra Leone is [a] friendly country with a time-honoured history. The hardworking and intelligent Sierra Leonean people have made outstanding contributions to the progress of humankind... Sierra Leone’s present credibility in the region and international circles is highly commendable.”
He also noted that, “the Palestinian presidency and the government will continue to maintain their commitments to the negotiation process as a political, pragmatic, and strategic choice. In this regard, allow me Your Excellency to extend to you and, through you, to your esteemed government and friendly people of Sierra Leone our deepest thanks and appreciation for your constant and principled support to our Palestinian people in their just cause to achieve freedom and national independence in their state of Palestine with east Jerusalem as its capital.” He assured that, “During my tenure of office, I will exert my efforts to expand and deepen relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation... and bring Palestine-Sierra Leone relations to a new high.”
In his response, President Koroma welcomed “the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to attain lasting peace in the Middle East. Together with other members of the African Union, my country fully supports the peaceful resolution of conflicts. We stand with other countries of the world in support of the two states solution in the Holy Land and the promotion of the security and peace of the Arab and Jewish populations. Peace in the Holy Land is intricately linked to the enhancement of understanding and cooperation amongst the great Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world, we rejoice at prospects for peace and security in a region of the world that all Sierra Leoneans call holy.” The President assured the new envoy of his government’s support in performing his ambassadorial functions.
Supervising the ceremonies was Foreign Affairs Minister Zainab Bangura in the presence of other cabinet ministers and state functionaries.
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