|
VISIT OF HIS EXCELLENCY MR CHARLES GYUDE BRYANT, CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA TO SIERRA LEONE FROM 18 TO 19 AUGUST, 2004 In the framework of enhancing the long-standing bonds of friendship and bilateral cooperation between the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of Sierra Leone, and responding to an invitation of His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, his Excellency Charles Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia, accompanied by an important delegation of officials, made a two-day working visit to Freetown, Republic of Sierra Leone from Wednesday 18 to Thursday 19 August 2004. On arrival at UNAMSIL Helipad, Aberdeen, the Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) and his delegation received a warm and brotherly welcome befitting the close ties binding the two countries. His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, President of the Republic Sierra Leone held form discussions with the Liberia Head of State in a particularly cordial and friendly atmosphere of mutual understanding. Their talks resulted in an exchange of views on the Liberian peace process as well as on bilateral, sub-regional and regional issues. The two Heads of State declared that they attached the greatest importance to the further development of bilateral relations between Liberia and Sierra Leone. They stressed, in particular, their desire to continue regular political consultation on sub-regional and regional issues and noted that the fostering of contacts between leaders and officials of the two countries at all levels, particularly at the summit level, should be a permanent feature of Liberia/Sierra Leone relations. Within the context of the peace process in Liberia, the two leaders noted the significant progress being made in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). They called on all the stakeholders to work cooperatively so as to advance the peace process in accordance with the mandate of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). President Kabbah and Chairman Bryant recalled and commended the tireless efforts of the Mano River Union, ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations as well as those countries at the bilateral level, for their support and contribution to the peace process. They called on those countries that pledged during the last International Donors Conference for the Reconstruction of Liberia held in New York, from 5th to 6th February 2004, to make good on their pledges. Chairman Bryant informed President Kabbah that he was receiving maximum cooperation from the factional leaders, particularly as regards the implementation of Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDR) programme. The two leaders noted that the successful completion of this exercise will no doubt guarantee durable peace in Liberia and ensure the holding of General and Presidential elections come 2005. President Kabbah welcomed the development and reiterated Sierra Leone's continued support to the Liberia peace process. He praised the efforts of the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) to consolidate peace through the pursuit of national reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction. On sub-regional affairs, the two leaders renewed their commitment to continue to explore ways and means of reviving the Mano River Union in light of recent developments in Liberia, as a consequence of the formation of the new National Transitional Government. They reaffirmed their support for the decisions reached at the recent Mano River Union meeting held in Conakry, Guinea. President Kabbah and Chairman Bryant recalled the signing of the Non-Aggression and Security Cooperation Treaty among the Governments of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea in Monrovia on 20th November 1986, and called for the enhancement and scrupulous enforcement of this instrument. The two leaders, in this regard, expressed the hope that both countries will put in place the appropriate measures to strengthen security along their common borders to prevent the infiltration of subversive elements into each other's territory. As regards regional issues, the two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union (AU), and underscored the need to accelerate the process of regional economic integration. The two leaders expressed concern over the proliferation of conflicts on the Continent and reaffirmed their determination and commitment to regional and sub-regional initiatives, designed to manage, prevent and resolve these conflicts. At the end of the visit, Chairman Bryant expressed sincere thanks and deep appreciation to President Kabbah, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the warm and fraternal welcome accorded him and his entourage. Chairman Bryant said that he looked forward to a return visit by President Kabbah. The invitation was accepted with pleasure and the date of the visit will be arranged through normal diplomatic channels. Done
at Freetown this 19th Day of August, 2004 ……………..
……………………… ……………..
……………………… |
