Freetown — Newly appointed Australian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Thursday assured President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House that he would be energetic in working to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

William Gordon Williams was presenting his letter of credence to the President said Australian was interested in rendering technical assistance in areas like debt management and establishing the stock exchange.

He was also pleased to note the successful implementation of solar electricity project in Tombo, near waterloo, through which the local health clinic and students have benefited.

President Koroma expressed gratitude for Australia's contributions to the UNAMSIL peacekeeping force during the war and helping to bring justice and sanity into the country through their support for the creation of the Special Court.

"Even though our two countries are geographically separated by long distances, yet we support each other in the Commonwealth, the United Nations and in other international fora on world issues that aim at maintaining human dignity, peace and security," he said.

The President also lauded the Australian government for its support for the creation of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Koroma said the country is has lots of minerals and the latter was ready to do business with Australia in the areas of technical assistance programmes that would be relevant to the developmental needs of the people." Also the new Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Qiu Shaofang presented his letter of credence to President Koroma at State House.