Liberia: China Tackles Terrorism in the Country
The New Dawn (Monrovia)
Liberia: China Tackles Terrorism in the Country
Winston W. Parley
28 September 2011
The Chinese government has signed an Economic and Technical agreement with the government of Liberia to enhance the fight against terrorism and small arms in the post-conflict West African state.
During the brief signing ceremony, which took place at the Foreign Ministry Tuesday in Monrovia, Chinese Embassy Charged d’ Affaires Ad Interim Mr. Li Zhigong, said his government sees it important and helpful to provide technical support for Liberia, because they are aware that the country was going through an election year.
“We think it is important to increase your government’s revenue against terrorism and small arms. I hope that these kinds of grants will be used to help Liberia. We are aware of the fact that this year is an election year. We’re glad to contribute a two set of mobile containers and vehicle system to Liberia,” he said.
At the request of the Liberian Government, the People’s Republic of China has agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding to provide two sets (2) of NUCTECH Mobile Container/Vehicle Inspection System; and to dispatch Chinese Technicians here to install and adjust the equipment.
Under agreement, China will also conduct technical training for Liberian personnel with additional gratuitous assistance of RMB Yuan $100,000,000 (One Hundred Million RMB Yuan) on a need basis.
So far, forty million or 40% of the One hundred million will be paid out of the gratuitous assistance stipulated in the agreement on the Economic and Technical Cooperation signed on September 27, 2011, between the two governments, including freight, insurance premium and technical services fees. Responding to the Chinese Diplomat, Liberia’s Acting Foreign Minister Sylvester Grigsby, thanked Mr. Li and the Government of China for the project.
“This initiative is one that we deeply appreciate because it is significant. It ensures that our governments have strong relations in the future. Your government played very important role in our peace process. And we hope that we will continue to cooperate,” said Grigsby.
He said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was pleased with the project, saying she is the initiator of the project. Notwithstanding, a Chinese Government designated institution is expected to issue settlement bill in quadruplicate in lump sum through the China Development Bank and the Ministry of Finance of Liberia.