(LINA)-The Deputy Minister of Administration, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewey Gray, has disclosed he Republic of Ireland through its embassy in Monrovia has made a pledge to contribute US$1.5 million to support Liberia’s 2023 General and Presidential Elections.
According to her, the support from the Irish Government came based on the longstanding relationship both countries share since establishing diplomatic ties
Speaking at a local hotel in Monrovia recently doing the Republic of Ireland St, Patrick’s Day celebration, the Liberian Foreign Ministry official appreciated Ireland and its citizens for their continued support to Liberia, which includes the provision of scholarship to Liberian students, contribution toward maintaining the country’s peace, among others.
Meanwhile, Minister Gray extended heartfelt condolences for the passing of the Ireland soldiers “Sergeant Derec Mooney ” who unfortunately met his demise while securing Liberia’s peace.
For his part, the Speaker of the Senate of Ireland, Jerry Brittimes, said St. Patrick’s Day is an important time for them to reconnect with the diaspora and the 70 million people worldwide of Irish heritage.
He said they are proud of Ireland’s contribution of building and maintaining Liberia’s peace which, according to him, began with the deployment of Irish Defense Forces personnel as part of the UNMIL mission in Liberia.
“In the post-conflict, our concentration is on measures to consolidate peace and the rule of law, including our support for election, as we enter an election year. Ireland will continue to work with the Government of Liberia and international partners,” Brittimes stressed.
He stated that Liberia and Ireland have worked together in the international community to respond to Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine which, he said, has demonstrated Liberia’s leadership on the issue, adopting a principal position which puts support for rules-based international order at its core.
Given some historicity about both countries’ relationship, the Senator told the audience that both countries came in contact in 1842, when two priests, Edward Barron from Waterford and John Kelly from Tyrone, landed in Monrovia as missionaries to minister to those of their faith.
He added that the above-mentioned missionaries also provided education, healthcare and other support which today makes for the legacies of the two distinct individuals to be celebrated in Ireland.
