President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India, H.E. Shri R. Ravindra.

She recounted the longstanding Liberia-India relationship culminating in India’s support in the areas education, provision of scholarships to deserving Liberian students at the levels of vocational education, energy and Liberia’s fight against Ebola, of which India was also a part.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia for the vital support the Government of the Republic of India has over the years provided to the people of Liberia.

President Sirleaf however informed the Indian Envoy that despite the many support to Liberia, more assistance was particularly needed in the area of agriculture aimed at helping Liberia in its strive for food security in the agricultural sector.

“As Liberia strives for food security in the agriculture sector, your expertise will be needed in helping us achieve this critical target,”

President Sirleaf told the new Indian envoy. The Liberian leader appealed to the Indian Envoy to convey to his government, Liberia’s quest for India’s assistance in the agriculture sector - in terms of mechanized farming equipment including tractors, soil power tailor and an assortment of farming tools.

Concluding, President Sirleaf assured the newly designated Indian Envoy that Liberia and India as members of the Non-Alliance Movement will continue to work together in promoting the aspirations of the Movement.

Responding, the Indian Envoy assured President Sirleaf that while their discussions centered on reviewing the benefit of bilateral relations with India mainly in the area of scholarships provision in education and health through India’s Scholarship Program, he promised to convey the request of President Sirleaf to his government for help in the agricultural sector for the needed support.

He called on line Ministries and Agencies responsible for data-collection to contact him after cataloging specific needs in the agricultural sector for appropriate response. He described India’s Partnership and Cooperation with Liberia as notable, adding that he looks forward to working with President Sirleaf and her government to the very end of her administration.

The Indian Envoy, Shri R. Ravindra was accompanied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Indian Businessman and Honorary Council Jetty while President Sirleaf was joined by Foreign Minister, Marjon S. Kamara, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Hon. Minister, Sylvester Grisgby, amongst others.