LIBERIA UNCIVIL WAR PART II

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

MONROVIA, LIBERIA

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANKARA, MAY 14, 2014: The Governments of Liberia and Turkey have signed three Framework Agreements to enhance the bilateral relations between both countries. The agreements are in the areas of Education, Mutual Visa Waiver for Holders of Diplomatic Passport and an agreement for collaboration between the Diplomatic Institutes of Liberia and Turkey.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister  H.E. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia while the Foreign Minister of Turkey H.E. Ahmet Davutoglu singed on behalf of the Government of Turkey at a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 11,2014 at the Turkish Foreign Ministry in the capital, Ankara.

Speaking after the signing of the agreements, the Foreign Minister of Turkey described the signing of the agreements as a historical day for the both countries. “This is actually the first official ministerial visit on the basis of our bilateral relations that is why the Government and People of Turkey attached all the importance to it”, Foreign Minister Davutoglu remarked. He said the three agreements are the first in the series of cooperation’s agreements his country intends to sign with Liberia. The Turkish Foreign Minister named the agreements as Air Services, Trade and Economic and Security.

“Today with my dear friend the Foreign Minister of Liberia we have discussed the future and steps to be taken in terms of the relations between our both countries and we agreed on an action plan including promotion of investment and avoidance of double taxation as well as taken action steps to make the three agreements a reality”, the Turkish Foreign Minister said. Minister Davutoglu who promised to visit Liberia before the end of the year also paid homage to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her leadership role in African and World issues and is hoping the President Sirleaf who is a Nobel Laureate will one day agree to visit the people and Government of Turkey.

For his part, Liberia’s Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan extended profound thanks and appreciation to his counterpart and the Government of Turkey for the warm invitation extended him and also conveyed greetings from Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf President of the Republic of Liberia, to His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey.

Foreign Minister Ngafuan said the signing the agreements have given the bilateral relations deeper depth and wider breadth. “The Agreement on Mutual Visa Waiver is aimed at alleviating the hurdles our officials go through when traveling to our respective countries. The second is in the field of Education thus leading to the exchange of information and scientific publications in the field of both formal and informal education, the exchange of experts, teachers and students, amongst others while to further enhance our diplomatic relations, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Diplomatic Academies of both countries have been conluded”, the Liberian Foreign Minister narrated.

Minister Ngafuan revealed the Government of Liberia is completing its review of proposed agreements on Security, Trade and Air Services. “I am confident that these Agreements will be concluded and signed very soon, paving the way for the consolidation of our partnerships, especially the beginning of flights of Turkish Airlines, your world-renowned carrier reputed for its excellent service, to Liberia”.

Minister Ngafuan welcomed continued Turkish private sector investment in Liberia while also commending Turkey for its support to the City Corporations of Monrovia and Paynesville as well as support to the Liberia Water and Sewer Cooperation. Meanwhile, Liberia has committed to support Turkey’s bid for a non-permanent member status on the United Nations Security Council.

Signed:

          Horatio Bobby Willie

          ASSISTANT MINISTER/PUBLIC AFFAIRS