Sierra Leone: Ambassadors Take Leave of President Koroma

Three newly appointed ambassadors have officially taken leave of President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma at State House on Tuesday 8th April, 2014. They were Sierra Leone Ambassador designate to the Republic of South Korea, Ambassador Omrie Michael Golley, the Republic of Liberia, Ambassador Brima Acha Kamara and High Commissioner designate to the Republic of The Gambia, Alhaji Soulay Bashirou Daramy.

Ambassador Soulay Daramy bids farewell

Ambassador Soulay Daramy bids farewell

Speaking to Alhaji Soulay Daramy, President Koroma congratulated him on his new posting, and described The Gambia as a sister republic since colonial days.

He informed High Commissioner Daramy that President Alhaji Yaya Jammeh during the just concluded ECOWAS meeting in Cote D’Ivoire urged both countries to not just consolidate bilateral ties but also promote socio-economic cooperation in trade, agriculture, mining and tourism.

President Koroma expressed high confidence and trust in the diplomatic skills of Ambassador Daramy, considering his vast experience as a Foreign Service Officer, and reminded him that he is going to represent all Sierra Leoneans in the Republic of The Gambia.

High Commissioner Daramy in his response promised to do all he can to adequately represent Sierra Leone. He recalled that several years ago when President Koroma assumed office, he appointed him as his State Chief of Protocol which he described as one of the most delicate jobs in the presidency.

Ambassador Soulay Daramy bids farewell

Ambassador Soulay Daramy bids farewell

High Commissioner Daramy said his posting to The Gambia makes no difference as wherever he is, he is willing and ready to serve his country. He thanked President Koroma for the appointment, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Samura Kamara and staff for their support.

To the Ambassador designate to the Republic of South Korea, President Koroma disclosed that government is assigning him to Korea to represent Sierra Leone.

He informed ambassador Golley about the economic potentials of South Korea which he said Sierra Leone can learn from as Korea is looking forward to have very strong ties with Sierra Leone. The President encouraged ambassador Golley to use both bilateral and private sector engagements while on his tour of duty in the private sector driven country.

President Koroma noted key areas of possible investment opportunities in Sierra Leone ranging from information and communications technology, infrastructure, agriculture among others.

He reminded ambassador Golley that Sierra Leone has what it takes to attract investment through economic diplomacy.

Ambassador Golley profusely thanked President Koroma for the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as Sierra Leone Ambassador designate to the Republic of South Korea and vowed to do his best, saying there will be little wining and dining.

Also taking leave of President Koroma was the former Inspector General of Police, ambassador designate to the Republic of Liberia, Brima Acha Kamara, whom the President encouraged to work within the framework of the Mano River Union and be looking at issues from the perspective of the MRU.

President Koroma expressed hope that ambassador Kamara will do what it takes to provide the necessary support at the MRU level and continue to collaborate with the Government of Liberia.

Ambassador Kamara thanked President Koroma for his appointment, and assured the Head of State he will represent all Sierra Leoneans in Liberia.

The Farewell courtesy ceremonies marking the beginning of their various tours of duty were graced by their friends, family members and Minister and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

By State House Communications Unit