By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Nigeria, accredited to Sierra Leone, Djura Likra, has expressed his commitment to work with the Government of Sierra Leone in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries. He made this disclosure during an exclusive interview at Wilkinson Road in Freetown.
The Ambassador of Serbia to Nigeria accredited to Sierra Leone, Djura Likra said that on Friday 16th July, 2021 with three other diplomats he presented his Letters of Credence to President Julius Maada Bio, as the first Serbian Ambassador to Sierra Leone.
He disclosed that during his visit to the country, he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister of Education and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament in relation to the friendship between the two countries.
Djura Likra maintained that the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Sierra Leone were established in 1961, immediately after gaining independence. The sincere friendship that ties the two States was forged precisely 60 years ago, and is based on the principles and joint activity within the non-aligned movement. Both countries have continued to develop in all areas of common interests.
He pointed out that there are possibilities of corporations in the area of Education, Agriculture and parliamentary, adding that during his meeting with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sierra Leone, he inform him that the Parliament of Serbia established a group of friendship with Sierra Leone and that he is hopeful that the parliament of Sierra Leone will consider and establish similar parliamentary group of friendship and strengthen the parliamentary friendship between the two countries.
In the area of education the Ambassador said the Government of the Republic of Serbia has been awarding scholarships to students of Sierra Leone to study in different universities in the Republic of Serbia at the expense of the Government, which includes accommodations, fees etc. stating that after their completion, they will return to Sierra Leone and contribute towards the development of the country.
Djura Likra maintained that he will work with relevant stakeholders in deepening and strengthening the economic corporation between the two countries, which he said in the future, will contribute towards the development of the two countries.
He revealed that one of the ways to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the countries is going into an agreement of corporation in different areas, with draft agreement delivered to relevant authorities of Sierra Leone for consideration, while they wait for a reply from the relevant authorities.
