Acting Foreign Minister, Hon. B. Elias Shoniyin on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 received several Ambassadors Designate from countries which Liberia has diplomatic ties.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, Minister Shoniyin received the Ambassadors- Designate at separate ceremonies after they paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ceremonies took place in the Holding Room on the 4^th floor of the Foreign Ministry.

The Ambassadors-Designate who met with the Acting Foreign Minister were H.E. Mr. Ricardo Lopez-Aranda Jagu, Ambassador-Designate of the Kingdom of Spain; H.E. Andrew Barnes Ambassador-Designate of Australia, H.E. Mahamadou  Zongo,  Ambassador-Designate of  the Republic of Burkina Faso amongst others. 

During the colorful ceremonies, the Ambassadors -Designate presented copies of their credentials to the Acting Foreign Minister pending formal presentation to the President of the Republic of Liberia, H E George Manneh Weah and further reaffirmed their countries’ commitments to strengthening diplomatic ties and cooperation with Liberia.

The Acting Minister Shoniyin also extended warm sentiments of appreciation to the Ambassador-Designate and their respective governments and expressed confidence that the strong bonds of friendship subsisting between Liberia and their respective governments would be strengthened for the mutual benefits of their respective peoples.

While receiving copies of the Letters of Credence from the Spanish Ambassador-Designate, H.E. Mr. Ricardo Lopez-Aranda Jagu, Minister Shoniyin welcomed the incoming Spanish Envoy at the nation’s capital Monrovia, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Gbezohngar Milton Findley who was out of the country on official duty.

Minister Shoniyin told the Spanish Envoy that Liberia looks forward to deepening cooperation with Spain in the future particularly in the implementation of Government’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.   

For his part, Ambassador Ricardo Lopez-Aranda Jagu, thanked the Minister and promised to transmit Liberia’s message to his Government and to promote the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Also while receiving the Australian Ambassador-Designate to Liberia, Hon. B. Elias Shoniyin expressed delight over the occasion and stated that Ambassador-Designate Andrew Barnes’ formal presentation of credentials to President George Manneh Weah signifies the excellent bilateral relations between Liberia and Australia.  

Minister Shoniyin also reflected on the significance of the Australian awards Program which he added has impacted Liberians adding “I am a beneficiary of the program”.  

The Acting Minister used the occasion to inform the Australia’s Ambassador-Designate of the vast potential Liberia has in the fishing industries which he noted is capable of producing billions of dollars to boost the country’s economy.  

For his part, Australian Ambassador-Designate H.E. Andrew Barnes promised to elevate the discussion with his government so as to reactivate the Australian awards program for Liberians.

He further assured the Minister that as Ambassador to Liberia, he will encourage Australian companies with vast expertise and integrity to come and invest in the country.