At First Annual Cocktail Reception For Diplomats: Min. Kemayah Describes Ivorian Military Base Attack As “Disturbing, Outrageously Alarming”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., has described the unprovoked attack at the N’dotre Military Base in Abobo, Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on April 21, 2021 as appalling, disturbing and outrageously alarming, noting that the cowardly and asinine attempt to disrupt the peace and stability of a peace-loving nation, with a potential to create chaos in the sub-region will not be countenanced in any manner and form by the Government of Liberia (GOL).

   Minister Kemayah emphasized that the government vehemently and unequivocally condemns the vicious attack against the sisterly Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, and views the unwholesome act as a deliberate attempt to back-paddle the collective quest in the sub-region to cultivate and sustain democratic gains, peace, stability and lay the firm foundation for a culture of strong institutions based on the rule of law.

   “No inch of our Liberian territory shall ever be used as an avenue for any armed intrusion or attack against any of our neighbours,” the Foreign Minister stated.

   He disclosed that President George M. Weah is immediately dispatching a delegation to Cote d’Ivoire to meet with His Excellency Allassane Ouattara, President of Cote d’Ivoire, and other members of the Ivorian government in relations to the attack on the military base.

   According to him, President Weah is very much concerned, and remains engaged with the leadership of Cote d’Ivoire. He noted that he, too, was fully engaged with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cote d’Ivoire about the matter.

   Minister Kemayah made the statement on Friday, April 23, 2021 when he threw a cocktail reception for members of the diplomatic and consular corps in Liberia, at the C. Cecil Dennis Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

   According to him, traditionally, the Minister of Foreign Affairs hosts a reception for the members of the Diplomatic Corps for the purpose of strengthening cooperation and deepening partnerships, and this was the first one since his incumbency.

   He noted that the Government of Liberia (GOL), under the leadership of President George Manneh Weah, attaches great importance to its diplomatic relations that provides direct avenue through which the government pursues a wide range of foreign policy objectives in support of its development agenda.

   “I wish to, on behalf of H.E. Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, extend our sincerest gratitude to all of you for the meaningful and impactful cooperation that have made possible the delivery of quality services to our people, and improvement in their wellbeing.

   “I further recognize your respective roles played in galvanizing our collective efforts in combating the ubiquitous Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Presently 96,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine donated by some of our partners are now being administered to our citizens. For this, the Government of Liberia (GOL) is highly appreciative,” Minister Kemayah noted.

   He then proffered a toast on behalf of President Weah, in honor of the diplomatic and consular corps. He said, “We proffer this toast to our international partners and friends, whom I always consider the indispensible partners toward the reconstruction, growth and development of our country. I use that word deliberately and consciously. We appreciate, value and cherish your partnership, and know that your contribution to the people of Liberia remain immeasurable.

   “We now proffer this toast in furtherance of strengthening the bilateral and cooperation ties between members of the international community—your respective governments and peoples—and the people of Liberia, and I do so on behalf of His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia, and the government and people of Liberia.”

   The Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Guinea, H.E. Abdoulaye Dore, responded on behalf of the diplomatic and consular corps, and said the annual cocktail reception held for them is an indication of their countries’ commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration, for the benefit of their governments and people.

   The Deputy Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, the Cameroonian Ambassador to Liberia, proffered a toast on behalf of the ambassadors and consul-generals.