In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the ceremony; H. E. Ambassador, Wusu B. Munu described the gifts as "a gesture of good will". He outlined some of the achievements of the party in Saudi Arabia and encouraged them to continue their good work.
Presenting the gifts on behalf of his executive, the Chairman, Sorie Kanu, said: " It is in the spirit of patriotism and respect for our government functionaries that we are here to present you with these plaques as tokens of our recognition and appreciation of the exemplary roles that each of you has played since you were appointed ministers by His Excellency, the President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma."
Receiving the gifts on behalf of her colleagues, the Foreign Minister thanked the APC Saudi Arabia Chapter for the gifts. "I bring you greetings from Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. I am very delighted and grateful to receive these gifts from you today and it is an indication that you have love and interest for your country," she said.
She informed them that about the giant strides the president is making to develop Sierra Leone. "Despite the challenges, the President is doing extremely well in improving the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone. His dreams and vision for the country are completely unique."
Explaining the successes of APC government, the Minister added, President Koroma's vision for Sierra Leone is embodied in his Agenda For Change program, a venture, she said, under the leadership of President Koroma, has been dramatic in the improvement of electricity supply, good road networks , health care delivery, food security, education, jobs etc.
She added that the Agenda for Change has also given priority to areas such as, Agriculture and Food Security, Energy and Water Resources, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Development, among many areas of development.
She observed that in the past, Sierra Leoneans had been deprived of electricity, water, health care and jobs for the youths. The Agenda for Change, the minister continued, is a production and employment oriented approach to poverty reduction as well as a development-driven approach.
She however urged them to work diligently in supporting their country and the party headquarters in Freetown. "You are fortunate to be in a holy land. Don't forget to make frequent visits to the Kaa'ba and offer prayers for the country and its leadership. "It is an opportunity for Sierra Leone to have such a leader who cares about the welfare of his people."
The minister urged them to continue their good working relationship with the Embassy and appealed for helping in rebuilding and rebranding of Sierra Leone. "I will extend your greetings to the President and government of Sierra Leone," she concluded.
Earlier, Ambassador Alhaji Dauda Kamara and Haja Jenneh Kandeh who are part of the minister's delegation under the auspices of the Saudi Royal Protocol Department thanked the APC members for the gesture and promised to report their good work to the party headquarters in Freetown. "It is a blessing for the party to be represented in this holy land where millions converge every year to pray to the Almighty Allah," Ambassador Dauda said.
