MONROVIA – Foreign Minister H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., bids farewell to the outgoing EU Head of Delegation accredited to the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Ambassador Laurent Delahousse.
The Outgoing European Union Head Delegation to the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Ambassador Laurent Delahousse has hailed the leadership of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. and members of his senior management team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the level of transformation taking place at the ministry.
Ambassador Laurent Delahousse noted that the EU and Liberia relations under the leadership of Minister Kemayah remain cordial, adding that his tour of duty in Liberia was successful and rewarding.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, the Senior European diplomat made the assertion Tuesday, August 29, 2023 when he paid a farewell courtesy call on the minister of Foreign Affairs, at his Foreign Ministry office, on the Capitol Hill, Monrovia.
He told the Liberian Foreign Minister that Liberia and EU have had longstanding diplomatic ties with common interest and shared values which he said need to be further solidified and strengthened for the mutual benefits of EU and Liberia.
Ambassador Delahousse lauded President George Manneh Weah for keeping the peace during his first term, as the nation move toward a free, fair and transparent elections on October 10, 2023.
He further stated that with the level of assessments made by international partners in Liberia, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has shown a great sign of transparency as it prepares to conduct free, fair and credible elections in Liberia, adding “I am leaving a country which is peaceful and gearing up for elections.”
Ambassador Delahousse also praised Liberian Foreign Minister H.E. Amb. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. for the warm reception as well as the bilateral assistance accorded him during his tour of duty in Liberia, stating “my task is over and I will be returning home”.
Ambassador Delahousse told the Liberian Foreign Minister that his tour of duty was very interesting and pleasing, marked by excellent cooperation, stressing” I wish to express thanks for all the cooperation that made my work smooth in Liberia. “
In keeping with diplomatic practices, the Outgoing EU Head of Delegation said he had come to the Ministry to inform the Foreign Minister that his stay in Liberia is over.
Ambassador Delahousse also recalled that his tour of duty in Liberia was marked by great achievements with a deep sense of memory. He indicated that during his diplomatic service in Liberia, he was privileged to interact with key Liberian government officials and other personalities within the country.
In response, Foreign Minister Kemayah expressed gratitude to the outgoing European Union Head of Delegation to Liberia, H.E. Ambassador Laurent Delahousse for the level of assistance the EU continues to render the Government and people of Liberia.
Foreign Minister Kemayah particularly praised Ambassador Delahousse for the role he played in strengthening the bilateral and historic ties subsisting between the EU and Liberia.
Following his commendation at brief bilateral discussions between the two diplomats, Liberia’s Foreign Minister Kemayah presented a special plaque to Ambassador Delahousse on behalf of President George Manneh Weah and the Government and people of Liberia.
The Dean of the Cabinet, who spoke on behalf of his Government at the meeting, said President George Manneh Weah sincerely extends gratitude and best wishes to the Outgoing EU Head of Delegation for his successful tour of duty in Liberia.
He stated that Liberia recognizes the role EU played in the election process in Liberia, as well as the sustenance of peace and harmony at the multilateral level in the world.
Foreign Minister Kemayah further highlighted that Liberia stands with the EU on bilateral, multilateral and global issues at international fora, which is aimed at further strengthening the longstanding traditional relations between the EU and Liberia as well as consolidating the cooperation and partnership between EU and Liberia at the level of the United Nations and other international bodies on multilateral and global issues including human rights, terrorism, climate change, democracy, corruption, good governance, among others.
The Liberian Foreign Minister also used the occasion to point out the pivotal role EU played by assisting Liberia in development assistance and other humanitarian assistance, which EU has provided to Liberia.
He stated that as Ambassador Delahousse takes leave of Liberia, it is a memorable time for Liberians as the nation goes to elections on October this year, noting that the diplomatic relations between EU and Liberia is at an all-time high. “Go and serve as ambassador for Liberia”
The Dean of the Cabinet further reiterated the unwavering commitment and determination of President George Manneh Weah to ensure a peaceful, fair, transparent and inclusive electoral process in Liberia on October 10, 2023, and during the post electoral period.
