In wrapping up his final diplomatic engagements, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tuesday, 10th December, 2013 joined members of the diplomatic corps and people from all walks of life in the Kingdom to sign the Book of Condolence of the former South African leader, Dr. Nelson Mandela at the South African Embassy in Riyadh.
Ambassador Wusu B. Munu who was accompanied by Head of Chancery and Minister Counsellor, Mr. Umaru S. Dura and Information Attaché, M.B Jalloh were warmly welcomed by the South African Ambassador Sadik Jaffer and Staff.
Ambassador Munu’s message of condolence which he wrote on the Condolence Register reads in part: “On behalf of His Excellency the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone, I convey here under deepest heart-felt sympathy and condolence to Nelson Mandela's family in particular, the Government and people of South Africa in general, for the passing away of that great man.”
He described the late man as an international icon, great humanist, peace-loving, advocate for the defenseless and down trodden masses of humanity all over the world. He pointed out that Mandela’s death was not only a loss to Africa, but also to the whole world. Ambassador Munu signed the book in an embassy room under the glow of a single white candle as the South African envoy stood not too far from him.
The Sierra Leone envoy also informed his South African colleague that President Koroma had ordered that flags be flown in Sierra Leone at half mast as a sign of mourning and a three-day mourning period was declared just after the death of Mr. Mandela.
It could be recalled that Sierra Leone’s President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma arrived in South Africa last Tuesday to attend the Memorial Service for the former South African President.
According to State House Communications Unit, the Head of State was accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Samura Kamara, Information and Communication, Hon. Alhaji Alpha Sahid Kanu, Social Welfare, Gender and Children's Affairs, Moijueh Kaikai, Hon. Paramount Chief Mohamed Daffie Benya, Hon. Rosaline Jariatu Smith of Constituency 103 and the Honorary Consul of South Africa in Sierra Leone, Mrs. Aminata Kallay.
In another engagement, His Royal Highness, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, Chairman of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), received at his office, the outgoing Sierra Leone Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E Wusu B. Munu.
The Ambassador and Prince Alwaleed discussed about the areas of investment that the Prince had proposed during his last visit to Sierra Leone in June this year.
The Ambassador thanked Prince Alwaleed for giving him the opportunity to meet with him and relayed cordial regards from Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
The ambassador also thanked Prince Alwaleed on behalf of His Excellency the President, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for his recent donation of $1 million to Sierra Leone to be used to fund the President’s Free-Health Care Initiative and youth employment in the country. In response, Prince Alwaleed stressed the need to strengthened trade and economic ties with Sierra Leone.
The Prince and the Ambassador further discussed social and economic issues related to their respective countries. The Ambassador commended Prince Alwaleed on his local, regional and international investments, and on his achievements that have propelled the wheel of economic development.
In conclusion, the ambassador bid the Prince farewell as he has come to an end of his tour of duty as Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, hoping for the continuation of his friendship with HRH after his departure. In response, Prince Alwaleed reciprocated the same feeling and asked the Ambassador to relay his cordial regards to President Koroma and wished the Ambassador the best on his future endeavors.
Ambassador Munu is scheduled to leave for Sierra Leone this weekend.
Be the first to comment