Russian Ambassador Designate Presents Letters of Credence

Friday, September 17:The President, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, has received the Letters of Credence of the new Russian Ambassador to Sierra Leone and of the Recall of his predecessor when Ambassador designate of the Russian Federation accredited to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. Dmity Malev, presented his credentials on Friday, 17th September, 2004 to the President at the Presidential Lodge at Hill Station.

The newly appointed Ambassador said they have been following closely with the process of national recovery that has been taking place in Sierra Leone. The international community, he said, highly commended the government for the democratic Parliamentary and Presidential elections in 2002 and the successfully held Local Government elections in May 2004.

Ambassador Malev expressed with great satisfaction the identity of positions of the two countries on many important international problems, including key issues as strengthening the UN's role in peace and security maintenance, and the fight against terrorism and extremism. Russia, the Ambassador said, is interested in constructive dialogue with Muslim countries, and that is why for the first time, President Vladimir Putin took part in the Organization of Islamic Countries Conference in 2003 in Malaysia.

The Ambassador also spoke about Russia's contribution to the UN Peace Keeping Mission in Sierra Leone, adding that the Russian Army is fulfilling with success their duties of maintaining peace and stability in Sierra Leone, and that the Russian Aviation servicemen have proved to be highly skilled specialists and have always been highly appreciated by the UNAMSIL administration.

Mr. Malev reiterated the importance Russia attaches to the development and consolidation of ties with Sierra Leone in various fields of the economy. He said that the cooperation between the two countries is gradually developing, and that Russian companies are now showing much interest in the establishment of mutually-beneficial partnership between businessmen of the two countries. In this respect, he said, there are huge potential resources on both sides that could be effectively exploited.

Ambassador Malev confirmed his sincere desire to exert every effort in contributing to the consolidation of the friendship, mutual understanding and confidence between the two countries.

Receiving the Letters of Credence, President Kabbah said that the cooperation between the Russian Federation and Sierra Leone since the establishment of diplomatic relations over a quarter of a century ago, has been characterized by friendship and mutual respect.
He expressed heartfelt condolences to the Ambassador, the Government and people of the Russian Federation for the recent tragedy involving the loss of over 300 people in the terrible siege by terrorists that took place in his country. He, however, expressed hope that the government of Russia would muster courage to go through this unfortunate crisis. "Terrorism and extremism are key issues that we as nations must actively confront and overcome," the President said.

President Kabbah observed that Sierra Leone, like Russia, was founded on principles that promote the well-being of all individuals, equality for all, as well as cooperation and understanding among all nations in the interest of world peace and security, adding that having these principles as cornerstones of their respective national policies, the two countries can contribute greatly to the promotion and consolidation of peace throughout the world.

President Kabbah acknowledged the invaluable role that Russia has played and continues to play in the restoration of peace, stability and prosperity in Sierra Leone, noting that the exemplary manner in which the Russian troops executed their peace-keeping assignment in Sierra Leone within UNAMSIL, reflects the true character of the Russian people.

The President welcomed the Ambassador's comment that Russia attaches great importance to the development and consolidation of economic ties with Sierra Leone. He said this would be a logical extension of the cooperation in the political, diplomatic and security fields, noting that political stability and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing. In relation to this, President Kabbah said that as political stability returns to the country, government is laying the foundation for regenerating the economy. And in this regard, Government looks forward to the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries particularly in the area of Russian investment flows into Sierra Leone.
He assured Ambassador Malev that his government will do everything in its power to facilitate Russian economic involvement, particularly private sector involvement in Sierra Leone.

President Kabbah also noted with great satisfaction the determination of Russia to engage people of different faiths and cultures in dialogue, stating that such a policy offers the only lasting promise for international peace and stability.

He appreciated the Ambassador's earnest desire to enhance the friendly relations that exist between the two countries and assured him of the determination of government and the people of Sierra Leone to maintain and further strengthen the already existing friendly relations with his government and people.