Salone, President Koroma Praised over donor aid in Ireland
Political Director, Political Division, Department of Foreign Affairs in Northern Ireland, has said he is impressed with the development strides so far made by the government of President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. (Photo: High Commissioner Edward Turay, Counsellor Josephine Marah, David Donogue,  and Kevin Dowling at the Political Division Foreign Department)
David Donoghue made this statement when His Excellency the High Commissioner Edward Mohamed Turay, paid him a courtesy call at the Department of Foreign Office, Iveagh House, Dublin, ahead of Turay’s presentation of credentials to the President of Ireland Mary McAleese.
“Sierra Leone has made great progress with donor aids – there is a clear evidence of progress – it is one of the most rewarding countries in terms of donor aids as they have been making good use of every single aid coming into the country,†Donoghue said.
The Political Director also praised Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma describing him as a decent and committed leader.
High Commissioner Turay and Counsellor Marah at the Protocol Division at the Foreign Office
He said Ireland has a soft spot for Sierra Leone, making particular reference to the Irish aid and the missionary connection in Sierra Leone while assuring his visitors that his country is always willing to come to the aid of Sierra Leone.
He said Ireland had always shown interest in Sierra Leone and expressed his country’s determination to maintain and strengthen that relationship by bringing more aid to the West African state.
Donoghue praised the Irish President whom he described as an excellent woman with warm character with typical connection in Africa.
Kevin Dowling Director, Africa Section at the Foreign Department, expressed concern over the issue of youth unemployment in Sierra Leone, but the High Commissioner told him his government is currently working towards that.
“The President has already established the Youth Commission in Sierra Leone to address that sensitive issue,†Turay said adding that their biggest challenge now as a nation is to change the perception of people who still believe Sierra Leone is at war.
“The war is over long, long ago – we are thinking about peace, commerce and development and not about conflict any more,†he said.
Information Attache Sorie Sudan Sesay, High Commissioner Turay, and Apostolic Most Rev. Giuseppe Nuncio
The High Commissioner said the people of Sierra Leone have suffered for too long and that the President is determined to turn things around in a positive light.
Turay also informed his hosts about a recent event in Durban, South Africa, where the President was honoured with a Peace Award.
The High Commissioner also presented the working document of his presentation credentials to the Deputy Chief of Protocols also at the Foreign Department Joe Brennan.
Earlier in the day, Turay and his entourage that include Counsellor Josephine Marah and Information Attaché Sorie Sudan Sesay, met Apostolic Nuncio who is also Dean of the Diplomatic Corp His Excellency Most Reverend Giuseppe Leanza, at his Apostolic Nunciature, Navan Road in Dublin.
The meeting was friendly and fruitful as the two men exchanged courtesies and discussed issues aimed at strengthen diplomatic relationship amongst themselves.
By Sorie Sudan Sesay in Dublin, Ireland.
Sorie Sudan Sesay is the Information Attaché for the Sierra Leone High Commission in the UK/NI
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