The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Marie Jilo Barnett, has presented her letters of credence to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. 

	• New Sierra Leone Ambassador presents letter of credence to President Sirleaf as Foreign Minister Akerele and Chief of Protocol Dunn look on Photo: Executive Mansion

Receiving Ambassador Barnett’s letter during a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry, the President spoke of the long standing relations between the two neighboring countries, dating back to 1961 when Sierra Leone won its independence from Britain.

The strong historical ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, the President noted, resulted in the creation in 1973 of the Mano River Union (MRU), which has enhanced regional cooperation between the two countries and among the peoples of the sub-region.

The President spoke of the setback Liberia and Sierra Leone relations suffered as of a result of the regional conflict, but said she was pleased that despite the difficulties brought about by the conflict, Liberia-Sierra Leone relations have been renewed and remain very strong.

President Johnson Sirleaf assured the new Sierra Leonean ambassador of the country’s continued support for peaceful coexistence and cooperation between the two countries.

The President said the meeting this week in Liberia of the Mano River Union leaders is a further demonstration of the determination of the leaders of the sub-region to formulate concrete programs of mutual benefits.

The President then extended to President Ernest Bai Koroma, warm sentiments of friendship, expressing the hope of stronger partnership between the two countries, as the first female ambassador of Sierra Leone assumes her new role.

In remarks, the new Sierra Leonean ambassador said she was pleased to be named ambassador of her country accredited near Monrovia.  The Rev. Mrs. Marie Jilo Barnett congratulated President Sirleaf on her election as the first elected female President of Liberia and Africa.

Ambassador Barnett said she looked forward to building and strengthening the peace between the two countries.  She renewed President Ernest Bai Koroma’s desire to tackle the issue of food security and peace within the sub-regional context and expressed the hope for stronger partnership between Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Ambassador Barnett replaces Ambassador Patrick Foya, whose tour of duty ended last month.