German President Visits Sierra Leone

The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Professor Dr. Horst Koehler, arrived in Freetown today on a three-day state visit. On arrival at the Lungi International Airport, President Koehler was received by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. Also present to welcome him were the Vice President, Mr. Solomon Berewa, Ministers of Government, heads of diplomatic missions and top government officials.

President Koehler is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Eva Luise Koehler, and a ninety-member delegation, including business executives, politicians, public sector officials and journalists.

The German President and delegation will be in Sierra Leone from the 6th to 9th December, during which time he will hold discussions with President Kabbah and visit key German-funded institutions and projects. The delegation will also pay visits to Kenema in the Eastern Province, Bo in the Southern Province and the diamond-rich town of Koidu where the business delegation will undertake a tour of the Kimberlite mines.

A State Banquet will be held in honour of President Koehler and Mrs. Koehler at State House on Monday night, 6th December, 2004.

Other highlights during the visit will be a meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ambassador Daudi Mwakawago, a visit to the UN-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, a visit to a UNHCR refugee camp at Gondama, near Bo in the Southern Province, a meeting with the Mayor of the City of Freetown, His Worship W. B. Johnson, at which ceremony the mayor will confer on the visiting President the title of "Freeman" of the municipality.

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