By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Mahesh Choithram Nandwani was officially confirmed as the South Korean Consul to the Republic of Sierra Leone by the Republic of Korea Ambassador accredited to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, at a ceremony held on Wednesday 30th November 2022. The ceremony also marked the official opening of the Honorary Consulate Office of the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone on 32 Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
South Korean Ambassador accredited to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, while making the pronouncement stated that he is very happy to have a successful businessman as a Korean Consul in Sierra Leone after they have been long looking for such a qualified person that will represent his country well in Sierra Leone.
He remarked that they have gotten somebody that meets all the criteria to be a Consul, such as being financially sound, politically neutral, and have no criminal record. “We saw that Mahesh Nandwani has a good track record and he is capable enough to discharge his duties,” he said and added that he is sure that the new Consul will be an excellent and formidable speaker and he will help promote and protect the interest of Koreans in Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Chae congratulated Consul Nandwani and his family and pledged to continue to promote the existing good relationship between the two countries. He admonished the Koreans in Sierra Leone and the Government and People to give the new Consul the honor and privileges to continue promoting the existing good relationships.
In his response, Mahesh Nandwani said “I look at my mirror this morning and saw how a Trader at Sani Abacha Street has joined the diplomatic community”. “I wholeheartedly accept the appointment and I pledge to discharge my duties as required,” he said and continued that he will promote the values and visions of the Korean Republic, promote cultural relations and uphold fairness, friendliness, and peace between the two countries.
Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. David Francis, revealed that the ceremony marked an important milestone in the sixty years celebrations. “Celebrating sixty years also marked the beginning of another sixty years of relationship,” he said and furthered that he is happy about the credibility seen in the new Consul in representing the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone. ”We expect trade and investment opportunities from the new Consulate,” he said and added that the Republic of Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world. “Sierra Leone has invested in human capital development to make the country achieve a middle-income country status by following the Korean example,” Prof. Francis said and further revealed that his Government is advancing the country to have a United Nations Security Council Seat at the time the Republic of Korea will also be part of the stage. “I have no doubt that Mahesh Nandwani will do well in representing the strategic interest of the Korean Republic and he will be an Ambassador in promoting Sierra Leone’s interest,” he concluded.
The ceremony climaxed with the taking of the oath by the new Consul, Mahesh Nandwani, during which he promised to work to the best of his ability to handle the affairs of the Republic of Korea in the discharge of his duties.
