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Liberia: Swiss Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence
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Liberia Government (Monrovia)
20 March 2008
Posted to the web 24 March 2008
Voinjama
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the letters of credence of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation, Ambassador Dominik Langenbacher, at a ceremony held Thursday in the provincial city of Voinjama, in Lofa County.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Liberian President lauded the cordial ties which have existed between Switzerland and Liberia over the years. The President spoke of the involvement of Switzerland in the national development programs of Liberia, particularly in the areas of education, health, and infrastructure development. An Executive Mansion release says, President Johnson Sirleaf also lauded the vital role Switzerland has played toward the country's debt relief. The relationship, the Liberian leader recalled has been strengthened since her visit last year to Switzerland. The Liberian leader said she looked forward to enhancing the already strong partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The New Swiss ambassador, for his part, extended warm felicitations from his President, the government, and people of Switzerland and said his government looked forward to increased cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Langenbacher assured the President that he will work toward achieving that objective during his tenure. The Swiss envoy who is based in Abidjan, La Cote D'Ivoire, traveled to Voinjama for the ceremony, the first 'letters of credence' ceremony to held outside of the capital, Monrovia in recent memory.
Meanwhile, the Telewoyan Memorial hospital has been dedicated in Voinjama, Lofa County. Speaking at the dedicatory ceremony, the President praised Switzerland for responding swiftly to her request to renovate the hospital. She described Switzerland as a good friend who has always stood by Liberia. The President expressed the hope that Liberians will demonstration a spirit of appreciation for the assistance, by ensuring that the facilities are properly maintain and used in the interest of the people.
The Director-general of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Ambassador Walter Fuss, assured Liberia of his government's continued support and commitment toward the development programs of government. Ambassador Fuss credited his government's increased interest in the development of Liberia to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who enjoys a considerable support in Swiss among decision makers in Switzerland.
Lofa County Superintendent, Galakpai Kortimai commended the Liberian government and the people of Switzerland for that country's support toward government's development programs. Superintendent Kortimai assured government that the facilities will be properly maintained to benefit the people of the county and other surrounding areas.
Under the auspices of the Swiss Agency for Development Corporation, Six staff housing units being constructed under the Telewoyan hospital Rehabilitation program are nearing completion. The Swiss are also constructing additional staff units, as well as an administrative building which has been already been completed. Health and Social Welfare Minister, Dr. Walter Gwenigale disclosed that the Swiss will for a few years, also provide funding for the operation of the more than a hundred bed-room hospital, which serves as a major referral health center in the area.
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President Johnson Sirleaf and cabinet are back in Monrovia. They returned Thursday afternoon, ahead of the National census which kicks off Friday throughout the country.
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