The Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guinea accredited to the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency El Hadj Abdoulaye Dore, along with the Diplomatic Corps has bided farewell to three outgoing Ambassadors for the services they rendered while serving in Liberia. "We are again here, this afternoon to pay farewell to three of our best colleagues which is going to create a deep void in our Diplomatic Corps. In their own way, each of them made valuable contributions in strengthening our Corps”, the Ambassador lamented.

He made the comments Monday, June 29, 2015, when he, on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps thanked H.E. Mrs. Karin Landgren, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Liberia and Coordinator of the United Nations Operations in Liberia, H.E. Mr. Masilo Esau Mabeta, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E. Mr. Kapieletien Soro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of  Cote d’Ivoire for their efforts in helping to fight the deadly Ebola disease, which he said, is also their victory. “The Liberian people’s victory over the disease is also your victory”, the Ambassador said.

Doyen Dore further noted that he is encouraging the Liberian people to be vigilant  because two of the four Mano River Union (MRU) countries are yet to eradicate Ebola and wish them courage and perseverance on themselves while imitating Liberia’s example. “We are hoping also that very soon we can declare the sub region Ebola free-zone”, the Ambassador asserted.

He further said that the Diplomatic Corps greatly appreciate the efforts of Amb. Mabeta for making accessible the South African Visas in Monrovia to those who so desired.

In separate responses from the honorees,  Amb. Masilo Esau Mabeta thanked the Government of the Republic of Liberia and his colleagues for making his stay here blessed and his work very rewarding. “I stand here today to simply say to you through the Dean of Cabinet, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia and directly to Her Excellency Madam President, thank you very much mama for blessing our work here and making it a worthy one. Thank you to the International Community for making our work here such an enjoyable one”, the Ambassador commented. He further thanked the President of the Republic of Liberia Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the United States Ambassador, and the SRSG for their efforts in helping to save the lives of his children from a tragic motor accident.

Amb. Soro in his response said that when he came to Liberia he had many challenges ahead of him because of the than situation his country was facing. Having Ivorian citizens here in the Liberia as refugees and be clothed with the responsibility of putting things in order, the Government and People of Liberia and the Diplomatic Corps who were with him in every way giving him pieces of advice and helping in dealing with the situation. Amb. Kapieletien Soro said that he will always remember Liberia because it was his first ambassadorial assignment and he took it with care.

He further requested that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan to have three meetings annually with various diplomatic missions so that their work in Liberia can be enhanced.

H.E. Mrs. Karin Landgrencontinued that she was honored and saddened to be leaving such a great family. She thanked everyone for their tremendous support, friendship, and solidarity and advice for which she was able to draw from everyone from time to time.

According to Ambassador Landgren, she, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all her partners have been able to have a discussion with extraordinary openness and frankness reflecting everyone’s shared concern and best way forward, she personally thank the Foreign Minister Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for all the support she got during her time of duty in Liberia calling it an extraordinary asset.

Also gracing the occasion, Foreign Minister, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan stated that the entire government of Liberia   was grateful for the outstanding services of all of the departing Ambassadors mentioning that time flies and the Honorees have done well for Liberia representing their respective countries and institutions.

Minister Ngafuan further noted that the government engaged the Diplomats and each and every one of them have all had special and deep passion for the peace and stability of Liberia wishing them God’s speed in all that they will endeavor here after.