“The need to derive a mutual and genuine understanding that will improve cooperation, collaboration and coordination cannot be overemphasized”. Grand Gedeh Superintendent Peter L. Solo.

Welcome remarks by Hon. Peter L. Solo

Superintendent, Grand Gedeh County.

October 17, 2013

Hon. Morris M. Dukuly, Minister of Internal Affairs and able Deputies

Republic of Liberia

Ambassador of the Republic of Ivory Coast H.E. Amb. Soro

Representatives of the Ministry of State, Interior and Security and other Officials Government from the Republic of Ivory Coast

Honorable Members of the National Legislature, Republic of Liberia

Representatives of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and the Republic of Ivory Coast

Representatives of NGOs, INGOs and Civil Society Organizations

Officials of Government here present

Our Chiefs and Elders

Representatives of Youths and Women from Liberia and Ivory

Representative of the religious community

Eminent Citizens of Grand Gedeh County

Members of the fourth estate

Distinguished, Ladies and Gentlemen

We extend our thanks and appreciation to the almighty God for granting all of our guests from far and near safe journey and for the selection of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County as the ideal venue for this historic Joint Council of Chiefs & Elders meeting.

As we come to put into place mechanisms that will seek to adequately address our various problems/challenges which are inflamed by uncontrolled cross-border movements of persons and goods, the absence of security forces and strategies for controlling small arms and light weapons as well as inadequate access to basic services in our Countries, the need to derive a mutual and genuine understanding that will improve cooperation, collaboration and coordination cannot be overemphasized.

It will also help us to share information among the Local Authority, the security and the civilian in our two sister Countries (The Republic of Liberia and the Republic of Ivory Coast) and also enhance peace-building as well as stability.

Hence, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we will like to cease this moment to call on all of us that are here today to put in our all so as to make our stay in the City of Zwedru a success.

Again, on behalf of the Chiefs & Elders of Nimba, River Gee Maryland & Grand Gedeh Counties, the County Local authority and the good people of Grand Gedeh County, while being also grateful to H. E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for selecting Grand Gedeh to serve as a regional beacon of peace and reconciliation, we say you are wholeheartedly welcome to the City of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County; the Land of the Rising Sun where hospitality is our way of live. Welcome to your home away from home.

Thanks for coming and enjoy your stay. May God bless us all.