The government of Korea has officially turned over 10 brand new Hyundai Santafe SUVs vehicles to the Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to enhance the capacity of the ministry in executing its assigned tasks and responsibilities, with a vow to support and share knowledge towards the improvement of the country’s agriculture sector.
The vehicles were donated at a brief ceremony held at the ministry on Capitol Hill in Monrovia on Wednesday, November 22.
Speaking during the program, out-going Korean Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Liberia, Kim Young Chae, said the gesture was in fulfillment of the long-standing relationship between the two governments.
He disclosed that the donation was made possible following an appeal made by Minister Kemayah to the Korean government.
Ambassador Chae expressed the hope that investment and trade would continue to increase among the two nations.
He added that the bilateral and diplomatic ties subsisting between the two countries would go a long way, as evident by the donation.
He disclosed that the government of Korea remains willing and prepared to help support and share knowledge toward improving Liberia’s agriculture sector, particularly in the area of rice production.
“We have ambition to share our knowledge with the government and people of Liberia in every sector, including rice production, which is becoming the most staple food in Africa. We hope this will enhance our relationship and improve trade and investment. We want to see more Korean cars and investments in Liberia to improve the private sector.”
Ambassador Chae maintained that these commitments and contributions of his country to Liberia are not intended to reap anything in return from the nation.
He, however, pledged his government’s support to the development of Liberia, including the private sector through investment.
He expressed his government’s delight and appreciation to the government and people of Liberia for the conduct of the just-ended presidential and legislative elections, which paved the way for a peaceful transition.
For his part, Minister Kemayah commended the government and people of Liberia for enhancing the capacity of the government through the Ministry, including training in diplomacy, among others.
He claimed that the gesture came as a result of the exemplary and visionary leadership of President Weah, which places the interest of the Liberian people above all, and his team’s uncompromising reform agenda at the ministry.
He used the occasion to clarify that assigned or donated vehicles to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not been taken away, contrary to media report and speculations that they were looted or moved to unknown destinations.
“People were saying that vehicles at the Foreign Affairs Ministry have been looted. But I can assure you that not a pin will loss from here under my watch as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet of the Republic of Liberia before talking about vehicles that are very big. We will not compromise transparency, accountability and equal opportunity for all.
“I made a request to the Korean Ambassador that we need a total of 35 vehicles for our staff here at the Ministry, and he said he can’t make a promise and his government couldn’t give more than five vehicles and I told him that together we can achieve it. Today, we are here receiving 10 SUVs from the Korean government following intense engagements through the Korean Ambassador and myself. These 10 vehicles are for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia. We want to thank you Ambassador and your government and people for these vehicles.” Minister Kemayah further assured that the fleet of SUVs donated would be used for the purpose intended, ahead of the inauguration of the next government in January 2024.
According to him, the vehicles will be given to deserving officials and personnel of the ministry following the conduct of a comprehensive audit during this transitioning period.
He pointed out that not one of the donated vehicles will be assigned to anyone before the new administration takes over, noting that, “these 10 SUVs will form part of comprehensive audit here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be turned over to the new administration following the inauguration.
“Though our government is out-going, we want to reaffirm to you, the government and people of Korea, of Liberia’s unwavering commitment towards further strengthening the already strengthened bilateral ties genuinely subsisting between our two countries, peoples and governments.”
He noted that it is in this vein that the Liberian government, following the conduct of necessary background checks by its relevant agencies, granted an approval for the establishment of an Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea in the country.
Minister Kemayah underscored the need for more Korean investments in Liberia to ensure competition in the advancement of the economy.
He, however, expressed the hope that the in-coming government of President-elect Joseph Nyuma Boakai would work in the interest of the Liberian people.
He vowed to remain supportive toward any cause to help improve and transform Liberia and its citizens.