Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has hailed considerable gains achieved in Liberian-Ivorian relations as both countries endeavor to stabilize security within the Mano River Basin and the larger West African region.

“We have worked well together to respond to recent security concerns along our common border, while enlisting the support and assistance of both UNMIL and UNOCI. Several joint border patrols have been conducted by our security personnel in pursuit of a safer and more secure atmosphere along our border”, Minister Ngafuan asserted.

He spoke on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during La Cote d’Ivoire’s 53rd Independence Day program, conveying the President’s best wishes to the Government and People of that sisterly nation as it observed the auspicious occasion.

The event, held at the Royale Grand Hotel in Sinkor Wednesday evening, was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, officials of government and other distinguished guests.
Minister Ngafuan disclosed that Liberia and Cote d’ Ivoire have enjoyed excellent friendly relations since the latter’s independence in 1960.

“As we have gathered here this evening in observance of your Independence Anniversary, I would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation this cordiality of friendship and brotherliness that have subsisted between our two countries and peoples for so long”, he stated.
Foreign Minister Ngafuan also noted with pleasure the progress both nations have attained in reactivating and revitalizing several Joint Commissions between Liberia and La Cote d’Ivoire as both countries look forward to concluding modalities for the holding of a Joint Commission meeting shortly.

A few cross-border attacks along the Liberian-Ivorian border have in recent past strained security along the vital border, but efforts from the two governments and United Nations peacekeeping forces from both sides have helped to restore stability.

Minister Ngafuan lauded the Ivorian Government’s recent decision to release fourteen (14) pro-Gbagbo supporters who were imprisoned following post-electoral violence that resulted to the loss of many lives and the destruction of property in the Core d’Ivoire: “This is a significant mark of genuine reconciliation on your part, and we urge you to continue healing the wounds created by the crisis.”

Speaking earlier was the Ivorian Ambassador, His Excellency Kapieletion Soro, who outlined some of the major achievements his post-war nation has made in the midst of challenges.
Ambassador Soro named a number of priorities his country is faced with, including reconstruction and reconciliation but most of all, security challenges
“With the determination of the [Ivorian] President and that of the Government, these problems are being gradually addressed. First, on the political arena, the Legislative elections and the sitting of the National Assembly in January, 2012 have put the country back on the road to democracy”, the Ivorian diplomat stated.

Ambassador Soro then commended President Sirleaf and the Liberian Government through Foreign Minister Ngafuan Liberia’s immense contribution towards his country’s peace and stability process, making particular reference to the hosting of nearly 250,000 Ivorian refugees.
“To today’s date, the number of the remaining Ivorian refugees in the country is estimated at 58,400 according to the statistics dating June, 2013. I will therefore like to salute the combined actions of UNOCI and the Liberian Government through the LRRRC”, he added.
The Ivorian envoy also stated that in the area of security where the challenges are still tremendous, Liberia continues to play a major role.

While acknowledging remaining challenges in the security sector, he hailed the cordial ties between both countries: “Thanks to this excellent cooperation, this situation has come under control”.