New German Ambassador Presents Credentials

The new German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. Dirk Baumgartner, presented his letters of credence and the recall of his predecessor to President Kabbah at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown on Friday, 7 May 2004.

President Kabbah with Ambassador Dirk Baumgartner	President Kabbah in discussion with Ambassador Dirk Baumgartner

The Ambassador who is resident in Conakry, Guinea informed President Kabbah about his country's commitment to providing continued assistance to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone-German co-operation ties, he said, have a long history and thanked President Kabbah for his leadership role in bringing the civil conflict in the country to an end. He said that no development can take place where there is war and anarchy and said that a stable and conducive environment was a primary requirement for any country to move forward.

President Kabbah thanked the envoy and expressed satisfaction about the nature and level of co-operation between the two countries. He acknowledged that Germany was an important member of the European Union, an entity that is a major provider of assistance to Sierra Leone.

President Kabbah	Ambassador Dirk Baumgartner

Resuscitating the Mano River Union (MRU) was cited as key to stability and development within the three MRU States of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Ambassador stressed. President Kabbah who shared similar sentiments explained how keen he has been to get the MRU started again.

Ambassador Dirk Baumgartner presenting His letters of credence to President Kabbah	Senior government officials at the ceremony

Accompanying the Ambassador was charge d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Freetown.

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