–Launches Revised Passport Regulation At Dedication Of Refurbished Foreign Ministry Building
His Excellency President George Manneh Weah has described the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., as an icon of integrity for his tireless and transparent effort in transforming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. President Weah heaped the praises on Minister Kemayah at the dedication ceremony of newly renovated Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
President Weah said the work of Minister Kemayah at the ministry is in line with the quote of former United States President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
President Weah said, “The project is laudable for the out-going government and is a complete demonstration of patriotism.”
President Weah then launched the Revised Passport Regulation and 4th Edition of the Foreign Service Manual of the Republic of Liberia.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee- Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr., said he expresses no regrets for the reform that they executed, and that he is exiting the stage as a very happy man after about three years.
Speaking on Wednesday at the dedication ceremony of the Ministry, out-going Minister Kemayah extolled President George Weah for the confidence reposed in him to serve the Liberian people over the last three years.
“Thanks for believing in me even in the days and years of falsehood, lies and political plots against me,” he said.
Minister Kemayah said the reform project, which he termed as unwavering and uncompromising, has made a significant impact at the ministry.
Speaking about the revised passport regulations, he stated that it was done in a standardized manner and form.
According to him, Liberia is among the few countries where people pay for diplomatic passports, but in the revised regulations it was changed to make it institutionalized.
The minister pointed out that in the revised passport regulation, All Liberian passports are valid for six years, including the diplomatic passport.
“The revised regulations also indicate that foreign mission staffs will serve for two terms, after which they can return to the ministry and serve before going on the field,” he said.
At the same time, the UN Resident Coordinator, Christian Umutoni, said the renovation of the Foreign Ministry is a sign of dedication, and lauded Minister Kemayah for his collaboration at the United Nations and even at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.