On 31 March, H.E. Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, hosted an iftar farewell reception in Mogadishu, which was attended by H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of Somalia, H.E. Sadia Yasin Samatar, First Deputy Speaker of Federal Parliament, H.E. Ali Mohamed Omar, Acting Foreign Minister, H.E. Ahmed Hassan Aden, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, H.E. Daud Aweis Jama, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, and H.E. Catriona Laing, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of UNSOM as well as nearly 100 guests from the government and all walks of life in Somalia and diplomatic missions.

In his remarks, Ambassador Fei recalled the achievements and inspiring moments of the development of China-Somalia relations over nearly 32 months since he assumed the duty, expressing his strong belief that China and Somalia would continue to work together to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen practical cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to further enhance the historical relationship between the two countries. “China-Somalia friendship will grow from strength to strength” he emphasized. Ambassador Fei also extended his sincere gratitude to the Somali government and friends from all sectors for their strong support to him and the Chinese Embassy. He said that he would cherish the fond memory of the country and people of Somalia and would be a supporter of China-Somalia friendship.

On behalf of the Somali government, Prime Minister Barre spoke highly of Ambassador Fei’s significant contribution to promoting the traditional friendship and deepening the practical cooperation between the two countries during his tenure, and expressed deep appreciation to China for its consistent support for Somalia.

Somali guests highly commended the remarkable contribution made by Ambassador Fei and the Chinese side to advancing the relations between the two countries and to peace and reconstruction of Somalia. They pledged to stay committed to the development of friendly cooperation in various fields between Somalia and China.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Religious leaders from the wide range of Ethiopian faith groups play a crucial role in promoting peace, unity, and harmony. On March 26, U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga hosted an interfaith iftar dinner at his residence to bring together faith leaders from Ethiopia’s different religious groups to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Massinga stressed that “this interfaith iftar is part of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to creating bridges of understanding and respect that will bring people of different faiths together.”

In his remarks, Sheikh Haji Ibrahim Tufa, President of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council (EIASC) said, “All religions preach peace and Ethiopian faith leaders are promoting dialogue through their umbrella organization: Inter-Religious Counci of Ethiopia.”

Religious leaders from Ethiopia’s different faith groups attended the iftar including the EIASC, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, Protestant churches, Beta Israel Jewish Community, and the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia.

The United States and Ethiopia share deep people-to-people bonds that ground our 120 years of diplomatic relations in an enduring spirit of friendship, respect, partnership, and the shared aspirations for the well-being of the Ethiopian people.  That spirit has propelled cooperation in health and education, agriculture and food security, science and the environment, and many other areas where the United States government and the American people have made enduring investments to help improve the lives of all Ethiopians.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has constituted the Board of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), added a member to the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation Board and nominated local government officials of Gbarpolu County. 

Those nominated are: 

I. Board of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA)

1.    Philip C. Parker Jr., Chairman 
2.    Isaac Grigsby, Member 
3.    Loretta Pope Kai, Member 
4.    President of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment –Statutory Member
5.    Ministry of Labor –Statutory Member
6.    Ministry of Agriculture– Statutory Member
7.    Liberia Land Authority– Statutory Member
8.    The Managing Director, Secretary, and non-voting member of the Board
 
II. Board of the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC)

1.    Mohammed Barrie—Member 

III. Gbarpolu County Local Government 

1.    Sam K. Zinnah, Superintendent 
2.    James Kpoto Scott, County Administrative Officer
3.    Howard P. Bunday, County Finance Officer
4.    Onagbah S. Mormalee, County Development Officer
5.    Siah Kieh Victor, City Mayor- Bopolu City 
6.    Karma Boima, Relieving Commissioner Gbarpolu County 
7.    Jestina Dukuly, District Commissioner, Bopolu District 
8.    Musa D. Kamara, District Commissioner, Gbarma District 
9.    Lawerance Sherbro, District Commissioner, Kongba District 
10.    Milton Yarkpawolo Gertee Sr., District Commissioner, Gou Wolala District 
11.    John M. Belleh, District Commissioner, Belleh District 
12.    John K. Korsee, District Commissioner, Bokomu District 
13.    Beyan M. Yarsiah, Township Commissioner, Bella Yallah Township
14.    Joseph T. Mulbah, Township Commissioner, Bella Fassama Township
15.    Debbie M. Gokpolu, Statutory Superintendent, Bokomu Statutory District
16.    Harris F. Tanjoe, Sr., Statutory District Development Officer, Bokomu Statutory District
17.    Ballah S. Saywo, Statutory District Administrative Officer, Bokomu Statutory District
18.    Harris C. Kawolo, Statutory District Reliving Commissioner, Bokomu Statutory District
19.    Edwin Mcgill, Statutory Superintendent, Gbarma Statutory District
20.    Quaye B. Varney, Statutory District Development Officer, Gbarma Statutory District 
21.    Melvin Marab Statutory District Administrative Officer, Gbarma Statutory District
22.     Emmanuel Moma, Statutory District Relieving Commissioner, Gbarma Statutory District

These nominations, where applicable, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. 

Furthermore, all local government positions published shall commensurate with the Local Government Act of 2018 to reflect the appropriate nomenclatures. 

President Boakai further calls on all those nominated and appointed to continue to demonstrate diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in service to country.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.