To Push Liberia's Development Agenda, Minister Konneh Calls For Strong Partnership With Donors

Friday, 5th February 2010

Planning and Economic Affairs Minister Amara Konneh is calling for strong partnership with the donor community in pushing Liberia’s ambitious development agenda under the Lift Liberia program.
Minister Konneh made the call when he paid courtesy calls on the Ambassadors of Germany and China accredited to Liberia on Monday, February 1, 2010.

(See pictures)

At the German Embassy, Minister Konneh met with Ambassador Ilse Lindermann-Macha and thanked the Government and people of Germany for their enormous supports to the development of Liberia. “We are very thankful to you,” he adorned the German Ambassador.

Minister Konneh said the Liberian Government will aggressively push for more meaningful projects in order to achieve the goals outlined in the Poverty Reduction Strategy. He called for a stronger collaboration and support from the donor partners in delivering key tangibles in the PRS.

The Liberian Government official said his Ministry has earmarked a 2010 Development agenda for Liberia. “We have a big agenda this year and will be assertive in pushing for its implementation,” Minister Konneh told the German Ambassador. He furthered that his Ministry is currently working on the national visioning and the NGO policies, Economic growth corridor studies and the National Aid policy.

“We can feel the enthusiasm of the German government and people for our government,” Minister Konneh said and challenged Ambassador Lindermann-Macha to use her offices to ensure that Liberia’s recovery is on track and fully supported by the German government.

In response, Ambassador Lindermann-Macha thanked Minister Konneh for the visit. . She assured the Liberian Government of Germany continuous support in the recovery process. According to her, funds are being committed to the implementation of ongoing projects including smaller ones across the country.

At the Chinese Ambassador, Minister Konneh and entourage including Deputy Planning Minister for Economic Affairs, Sebastian Muah was warmly received by the Ambassador Zhou Yaxios. Minister Konneh reiterated his message for a stronger collaboration with the donor community. He passionately thanked the Chinese Ambassador, his government and the people of China for their overwhelming supports and participation in Liberia’s recovery process.

Ambassador Yaxios said his government and the people of China are committed to seeing Liberia return to normal, following a devastating civil war. He is pleased that Minister Konneh has started holding dialogues with Liberia donor partners. “This kind of interaction is very good. For someone from the Government of Liberia to be engaging the different donor partner on different projects is good for Liberia.”

Minister Konneh last week visited the out-going Swedish Country Manager, Ambassador Anders Ostman, and the headquarters of the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at Mamba Point.

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