MONROVIA, January 6 (LINA)-The President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania,. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, has observed that the Ebola challenge being experienced by countries in the West Africa sub-region and by extension the Africa region should consolidate solidarity and mutual support of African countries to each other.
He noted that though the Ebola outbreak has been a serious challenge, it will help countries in the region come out more determined to unite and further strengthen their bilateral relations.
He expressed his country’s support to Liberia during this very difficult period of the country’s history; and expressed the AU’s commitment and support to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s heroic fight and the unyielding determination of the government and people of Liberia in the fight against the Ebola virus disease. “You can count on the support of the AU and we are sure and certain that you will defeat this epidemic,” he said.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Mohamed Ould Abdul Aziz made the statement when he and President Sirleaf addressed a joint press stakeout at the foreign ministry in Monrovia Monday evening.
The Mauritanian President who is the current chairman of the AU heads of state and government, noted the serious losses that Liberia is experiencing in both human and economic terms due to Ebola and expressed heartfelt condolence to the government and people of Liberia for the loss.
He also expressed his admiration for the remarkable and dignified attitude of Liberians in battling the disease, especially the healthcare personnel of both Liberia and the AU who have come to assist their African brothers and sisters.
Mr. Abdul Aziz expressed gratitude to the international community for the support provided Liberia and the other worst affected countries in fighting the Ebola virus disease.
“We will work and consolidate the relations between our two countries,” he assured President Sirleaf, and urged her to join him to further strengthen the bilateral relations between their two countries.
The Mauritanian President who is also the current Chairman of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government was in Liberia on a solidarity two-day visit. He had arrived from the Republic of Guinea on a similar visit.
Earlier, welcoming Mr. Abdel Aziz to Liberia, President Sirleaf recalled the relationship between both countries which predate Mauritanian’s independence. She indicated that Liberia and Mauritania Heads of State have exchanged numerous visits as well as signed communiqués, cooperation agreements and protocols. “This visit gives us the opportunity to once again strengthen and deepen that relationship,” she stressed.
President Sirleaf particularly thanked the Mauritanian President for the leadership he has exhibited as current Chairman of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union and the personal effort made to mobilize resources to support the three countries worse affected by the Ebola virus disease.
“As a result, we now have 30 African health workers working with Liberia against the Ebola disease as well as received financial support that have been mobilized by the AU,” she recalled.
On behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, President Sirleaf thanked the Mauritanian President for the bilateral support his government provided Liberia through a Memorandum of Understanding in the fight against Ebola. “Thank you so much for the support,” the Liberian leader said.
During the visit, the Mauritanian President on behalf of his government provided a 37 million Liberian dollar grant to assist in the fight against the Ebola virus disease.
The Memorandum of Understanding for the amount was signed by Minister of Finance and Development Planning Amara Konneh for the Government of Liberia, while the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, Mr. Sidi Ould Tah signed on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
The AU Chairman departed Liberia on Tuesday, January 6, for Sierra Leone in continuation of his visit to the three worse countries affected by the Ebola.
LINA