President George Manneh Weah has received Letters of Credence from the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Slovakia.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, Rafael Soriano Ortiz, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovakia, Tomas Felix, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, presented their Letters of Credence to the President.
President Weah recommitted the Liberian government to ensuring and enhancing bilateral ties with Spain after receiving the Letter of Credence from Mr. Rafael Soriano Ortiz, Ambassador Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in my name, I would like to welcome you to Liberia and congratulate you on your appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to Liberia,” Mr. Weah welcome Ambassador Ortiz.
He recalled how Liberia-Spain relations date as far back as 1847 when the latter recognized Liberia’s independence. He also recalled President William V.S. Tubman’s visit to Spain in 1952, which he said inspired the establishment of diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level between the two countries later in 1954.
The Liberian Leader noted that the relations between the two countries have been cordial and mutually rewarding, adding that the Kingdom of Spain has over the years rendered to Liberia enormous assistance in the areas of health, education, maritime, agriculture, and transportation during the civil war.
President Weah said he was pleased with the way Spain has placed Liberia on its priority list for Span-Africa Cooperation, stressing that Liberia looks forward to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries “during these critical times.”
In response, the new Spanish envoy expressed appreciation to the Liberian Leader for the cordial reception and the kind words expressed.
Amb. Rafael Soriano Ortiz said he was honored to have been appointed Spain’s Ambassador to Liberia, pledging to work very hard in strengthening and enhancing the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.
He traced Spain-Liberian relations to the founding of Liberia, stressing that “over these many years we have mutually benefited from the bilateral ties based on mutual respect and friendship.”
According to him, the two countries are far from reaching the full potential of their relations, and expressed hope that the gap will be bridged during his tour of duty.
Also, receiving a letter of Credence from Mr. Tomas Felix, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovakia Republic, President Weah said his government looks forward to a cordial, mutual and beneficial relationship with Slovakia both on a bilateral level and within the framework of the European Union Cooperation.
He welcomed and congratulated the new Slovak Envoy, and informed him that Liberia was interested in cooperating with the Slovakia Republic in the agriculture sector.
In the same vein, Ambassador Felix recounted how Liberia-Slovakia relations began in earnest in 1993 when his country became independent.
“The new era started when Liberia recognized Slovakia and our diplomatic relations started on October 6, 1998,” Amb. Felix indicated. He added: “We can characterize them as friendly and cooperative, mainly on the multilateral level.”
The Slovakian Envoy, who resides in Abuja, Nigeria, expressed confidence that the two countries can build on the results of their trade exchange.
photo credit: Executive Mansion
