The Bureau of Public Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Monrovia, Liberia

NEWS SUMMARY FOR FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014

Today’s stories include, USA Independence Day celebration, Liberia – Japan Partnership dialogue, the continuous fight against the deadly Ebola virus, and US donation of Protective Equipment for Ebola response are among other stories.

Dominant Stories

Ebola Needs Stronger Response – Health Ministers

Health Ministers from across West Africa attended a two-day emergency conference in Ghana to discuss the regional outbreak of Ebola virus disease. The World Health Organization says the highly infectious disease has killed more than 400 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Dr. Shek Moar Khan of Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone said families often bury victims without telling anyone. Authorities are forcing people to test for the disease while some victims try to avoid detection, preferring to die in secret. Ebola causes fever vomiting, bleeding and diarrhea. It is spread through contact with the blood or other fluids of infected people,reports the FOCUS Newspaper.

Related Caption:Lofa Sup. Condoles Families Of Ebola Affected Health Workers (INSIGHT), House Reacts To Change In Venue For Independence Day Celebration;” Tradition Must Give Way To Safety” – As Ebola Death Toll Reaches 66 (INSIGHT), As U.S. Gov’t Donates Protective Equipment: Ebola Reaches Epidemic Level In Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone (National Chronicle)U.S. Gov’t Donates Items To Curtail Ebola(Inquirer), Ebola’s Reappearance Increases Death Rate – 66 Liberians Departed(IN PROFILE DAILY),

Liberia, Japan Bond Ties

The New Democrat Newspaper quotes a Foreign Ministry’s release: The maiden edition of the Liberia-Japan Dialogue has ended in Monrovia with both countries committing to several core bilateral and business investment issues. Held at the C. Cecil Dennis Auditorium at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dialogue came out of an official visit President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid to Japan from June 1-3, 2013 during which time she and Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe met on the side-line of the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-V) and agreed to further strengthen Japanese-Liberian economic and political ties. A Foreign Ministry release says the Dialogue brought together participants from the Japanese Business sector, led by Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Naoto Nikai, and officials of the Liberian Government and Liberia’s private sector executives led by Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan. The Dialogue focused on enhancing trade, commerce and investment opportunities between Liberia and Japan where participants discussed the importance of Japanese investment to Liberia and vice versa, and initiated a Policy Dialogue between the two governments. Foreign Minister Ngafuan, Commerce Minister Axel M. Addy, Japanese Ambassador Nikai and Mr. Sachio Kaneki, Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation gave the opening remarks at the ceremony that was held under the theme, “Harnessing Bilateral Partnership for Robust Private Sector Development in Liberia”. In his opening remarks, Minister Ngafuan stated that the Dialogue marked a milestone and a major turning point in Liberia’s drive for Economic and Development Diplomacy: “We have come to concretize our commitment to the building of a vibrant private sector in Liberia. We are here to discuss how to deepen bilateral trade to practical presentations and exchanges of ideas to foster trade and investment.” He described the Dialogue as critical to the restoration of direct trade and investment between the two countries which would serve as a fulcrum from people to people relationship as well as business to business partnership. He stressed the importance of the Dialogue which is in line with Liberia’s Agenda for Transformation as Japan is one Liberia’s longest standing partners in the Asian region and was one of the first countries to resume diplomatic ties to Liberia after the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The Liberian Foreign Minister then admonished participants to focus on relevant issues that will lead to the increase on bilateral cooperation, increase trade volume and make Liberia a strategic trading partner to Japan. He hailed many Japanese contributions to Liberia which ranges from power to infrastructural developments including the donation of a 15,000 metro tons of petroleum products, its contribution of a 10 mega watts power to the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC), the ongoing construction of the Somalia Drive, the Japanese Food Aid that have been financing major projects in the country, among others.  Minister Ngafuan who urged Liberian and Japanese business executives to identify areas of common interests and activities within the .framework of business and investment promotions added, “Lastly, in furtherance of our ties and as a way to cement our cherished relationship with Japan, we look forward to the promised reopening of the Japanese Embassy in Monrovia which will further bolster the friendship and ties between Liberia and Japan and will ease the process of acquiring visas and boost trade and investment between our two countries.” Japanese Ambassador Nikai, in his remarks, noted that the Dialogue is one of the Japanese Government’s initiatives at the TICAD V to promote the economic growth of Africa through encouraging business activities between Japan and Africa. Commenting on Japan’s determination to invest in Liberia, the Japanese Envoy added, “As you see in my delegation today, Japanese private companies are greatly interested in exploring their business opportunities in Africa……….I, in connection to that, expect that the Government will also undertake particular efforts in creating business-friendly environments for them so that they will be able to smoothly introduce themselves to the marketplace in Liberia”. Liberia’s Commerce Minister Addy, for his part, hoped that the opportunities for exchanges will lead to new beginning of strong and responsible partnerships between the business communities of both countries: “The essence of these two days is that the magic will happen and you will leave here with clear path to investment opportunities exploring new partnerships with the domestic private sector.” Mr. Kaneki, for his part, appreciated both governments for such what he called a remarkable decision that brought together the private sector from each country. While encouraging his array of Japanese companies present at the occasion to explore new investment opportunities in Liberia, the  Mitsubishi Corporation Senior Vice President added that the economic relationship between Liberia and Japan is not new: “In Japan, Liberia has been known as the most famous country for business registration”, further  hailing Liberia’s maritime program which he noted has hundreds of ships flying the Liberian flag which covers about 12.5% of total operating ships in the world. The day-long event ended with the two countries agreeing on a number of issues, including to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries; strengthening Liberia-Japan economic and trade relations; expanding broad-based economic growth and help reduce some of the structural weaknesses of the Liberian economy; enhancing food security through sustainable agriculture; improving critical infrastructures with particular emphasis on road and bridges, seaport, airport, energy, health facilities, schools, and others. They also agree to promote public-private partnership, increase people-to-people exchanges, develop the technological know-how of Liberian businesses/companies and increase access to market information, and improve Liberia’s competitiveness as well as increase employment opportunities, expand exports, and transfer relevant technology and management know-how. Meanwhile, the Japanese delegation, will on Friday, July 4, 2014, pay a one-day working visit to the Port City of Buchanan, where the Buchanan offices of the National Port Authority (NPA), and the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Corporation (LPRC) will make presentations on the Buchanan Port’s commercial pier and LPRC facilities respectively.

Related Captions:Ellen, Abe Dream Becomes Reality(Daily Observer Newspaper), More Japanese Investments Expected (New Dawn Newspaper), and Liberia, Japan Climax Investment Dialogue(IN PROFILE DAILY)

Pres. Sirleaf congratulates US on Independence Day

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the United States of America on the occasion commemorating the 238th Independence Anniversary of that country, July 4, 2014. In her message to US President Barack Obama, President Johnson Sirleaf extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of the USA as they observe this historic event, the New Dawn reports. Related Story: Ambassador Malac Assures Liberia Of US Commitment,the Daily Observer Newspaper reports that the United States Ambassador Deborah Malac has assured Liberians that her country remains committed to the long lasting relationship between the two countries and will do its best to build a Liberia that is at peace with itself and its neighbors, and offers economic opportunity to all Liberian citizens. Making the commitment on July 3, 2014 at the Executive Pavilion during celebration of America’s 238^th Independence, Ambassador Malac recalled that the partnership between Liberian and the United States is a long and enduring one that manifests itself in many ways, touching a board range of activities.

Related Caption: Ellen Congratulates US – On 238 Independence and (IN PROFILE DAILY)U.S. Celebrates 238^th Independence(The News Newspaper)

Other Stories

India Stresses Employment As Key

India has vowed more participation of its companies, industries and private sector to Liberia aimed at contributing to economic development, prosperity “and very importantly, employment generation in Liberia.” Newly accredited Indian Ambassador to Liberia Dinesh Bhatia told President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in Monrovia Thursday that key issues talked about at global economy forums centred on economic development, prosperity and employment. I shall see that we have more and more participation of Indian companies, Indian industries and Indian private sector to ensure that we contribute to economic development, prosperity, and very importantly, employment generation in Liberia,” Mr. Bhatia said yesterday while presenting Letters of Credence to the Liberian leader in Monrovia. “And these are the key issues into this world - when we talk about global economy; these are the key issues that we are discussing at any level. So we are [hoping] to contribute in a very positive manner with your guidance and your blessings,” he said further, New Dawn reports.

Related Captions:India Pledges More Support(Daily Observer Newspaper)

U.S. Donates Protective Equipment In Response To Ebola

According to the News Newspaper, the U.S. Government has donated another supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the World Health Organization to support the international response to the Ebola outbreak which is affecting Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The donation, including aprons, face masks, gowns, caps and cadaver bags, are in addition to a previous donation by the U.S. Government. Last week, the U.S. Government made a similar donation, including rubber boots, coveralls and gloves, which will protect health workers who are at the forefront of providing essential care to patients who are suspected or confirmed to have the Ebola virus. Health workers who use the protective equipment as recommended are protected from exposure to blood or body fluids from infected patients. In presenting the items, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Liberia Mission Director, John Mark Winfield, said the U.S. Government is committed to helping in the fight against the spread of the Ebola virus. World Health Organization Representative to Liberia Dr. Nestor Ndayimirije, who received the donations, immediately passed the essential equipment to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and thanked the U.S. Government for the donations, which he said will help boost Liberia’s response to the Ebola virus. Dr. Ndayimirije said partnership was important in the fight against the outbreak, and urged stakeholders to unite to improve the response by making sure no health worker is infected and that no health worker also dies because of the lack of protective gear.

Related Captions:US Donates To Ebola Response(IN PROFILE DAILY),and US Assists War Against Ebola (New Democrat Newspaper)

Liberian Women Off To Rwanda Summit

A Liberian woman delegation has left the country for Kigali, Rwanda to attend the Global Forum of Women in Parliament (WIP). The group, headed by Bong County Senior Senator Jewel Howard Taylor as Ambassador of the Liberian Chapter includes Senator Geraldine Doe Sheriff, Clarice Alpha Jah and Madam Mallah Gbogar left the country on Monday. Others include Madam Viola Cooper, Superintendent of the Bong County branch of Liberia Marketing Association (LMA) and Madam Esther Walker of the Coalition of Political Parties Women, FOCUS reports.

UNICEF Dedicates US$127,000 School

UNICEF Liberia on Wednesday donated a public school valued at US$127,000 in Louisiana, outside Monrovia. The seven class room school was funded by the Government of Japan. The edifice includes reading room, Principal’s office and Teacher’s lounge. A separate hand-pump and a well for clean water and separate toilets for boys and girls were also constructed under the project. The Louisiana Public School was established in 1939 by Toby Teage and Pauley Teage and was called the ‘Waterside School’. It was operated from the home of the late Fredrick Hines Sr. from Kindergarten to Grade 4. Until the construction of the modern facility by UNICEF, the school a makeshift building constructed by the community, reports the News Newspaper.

LACC Boss Vows To Make Liberians ‘Proud’

The executive Chairperson of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), Cllr. James N. Verdier has express optimism that with the reorientation and rebranding of LACC, Liberians will appreciate and be proud of the work of the Commission. He assured Liberians of the Commission’s commitment to ensure transparency and accountability in public service which, he said, was essential for the stability of the nations, writes INSIGHT Newspaper.

Related Caption: LACC Invites Chris Neyor...Threatens To Expose Officials Who Are Yet To Declare Their Assets (Inquirer Newspaper)

Liberia Wins 1^st Medal In Burkina Faso

According to the News Newspaper, Little Kadmiel Enders, 19, scooped Silver Medal for Liberia in Wednesday’s High Jump event. Report from Ouagadougou says, the Liberian outclassed opponents from other African countries to deliver his country’s first prestigious award at the Burkina Faso 2014 African Athletics Games. This is Kadmiel’s 2^nd highest continental achievement.