Ambassadors Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Kingdoms of Norway and Spain and the Islamic Republic of Iran, have presented Letters of Credence to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

In separate ceremonies marking the presentations, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said her government is always pleased to rebuild partnerships with friendly countries.

• Norwegian Ambassador, Marete Lundemo(L), presents letter of credence to President Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia. Photo/Exec/ Mansion

An Executive Mansion release says the President extended warm greetings to Norwegian Ambassador Her Excellency Marete Lundemo, Spanish Ambassador Her Excellency Cristina Fernandez-Gil and Iranian Ambassador His Excellency Nejad Mohammed.

The Liberian President thanked the government of Norway for its support to Liberia’s electricity program. The President emphasized that her government longed for mutuality of benefits and hoped to see that the relationship between both countries is reciprocal.

She thanked the Spanish envoy for her government’s continuous support to Liberia, making specific mention of the 25 buses recently donated by the Spanish government.

The Liberian leader described the buses as an immense help to Liberia’s public transport system. In talks with the Iranian envoy, President Johnson Sirleaf also traced the historical ties between both countries and said she looked forward to strengthening bilateral relations.

In separate remarks during the presentation of their credentials, the Ambassadors expressed the hope of renewing ties with Liberia.

Norwegian Ambassador Lundemo, said she looked forward to putting in place what she called, practical steps which would strengthen cooperation. She challenged President Johnson Sirleaf to tap into her government’s goodwill by showing areas in which Norway can be helpful to Liberia.

For her part, the Spanish envoy emphasized that her mission is to prepare what she referred to as elements for continuous support from Spain to Liberia.’ She said Spain is and will remain a faithful friend to Liberia. Amb. Fernandez-Gil recalled the Liberian Leader’s trip to Spain last year, pointing out that the visit gave a new impetus to Spanish-Liberian relations.

For his part, Iranian Ambassador Mohammed said he looked forward to renewed ties with Liberia, describing his country as “an honest partner in the global landscape.”

The ceremonies were witnessed by Ambassador William Bull, deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, who represented Foreign Minster Olubanke King-Akerele.

Roberts Flight Information Region Back In Liberia - Headquarters Dedicated

The Roberts Flight Information Region (FIR) has been officially returned to Liberia. Speaking Thursday at a ceremony marking the return, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf described the move as an indication of the spirit of cooperation and solidarity now existing among member countries of the Mano River Union. 

• Pres. Sirleaf cuts the ribbon to the facility as Minister Jackson Doe (l) and others look on. Photo/Exec/ Mansion

The Liberian leader noted that the return of the Roberts Flight Information Region is another indication that Liberia is again trying to get on the right track. An Executive Mansion release said the President praised the warm relationship existing among member countries of the three Mano River Union States. 

She said efforts are continuing to include the Cote d’Ivoire in the sub-regional grouping to broaden its scope, “to ensure that never again will any of our borders be used to wage war against any government.” The Liberian leader lauded Transport Ministers of the three countries for promoting the cooperation, which she said will go along way in strengthening regional cooperation and integration.

The President commended the Director-general of Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Archie Williams, for his relentless efforts in convincing and assuring member countries that Liberia is ready to manage the facility properly to the satisfaction of all.

Earlier in remarks, Director-general Williams lauded President Johnson Sirleaf for the political commitment she has demonstrated in facilitating the return of the Flight Information Region to its original headquarters.

He disclosed that a Technical Committee of the FIR has put in place an ‘Expert Group’ to study the possibility of setting up an Airline, to be known and styled ‘Air Mano,’ to meet the demands of the three states.

The Flight Information Region was established in 1975 by Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia to have aeronautic oversight responsibility within the airspace of the three countries. 

Headquartered in Liberia since its inception, the FIR was forced to relocate twice due to the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Thursday’s ceremony was witnessed by the Outgoing and Incoming Transport Ministers of Liberia as well as officials of the Transport Ministries of Guinea and Sierra Leone.