A Covenant Against Illicit Diamond, Drugs Trafficking Reached

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 13:52

Written by ND Staff

Liberia and Sierra Leone have agreed to curb illicit mining activities, trafficking of illicit drugs and other forms of negative activities that have polarized the two Mano River Union nations for many years.

In a communiqué issued following  Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma’s two-day official visit here,  he and President Sirleaf reaffirmed their determination to “curb illegal cross border activities including, but not limited to, illicit mining, drugs, illegal human and arms trafficking and money laundering.”

They also agreed to work together in identifying new areas of cooperation in the economic, technical, cultural and scientific fields for mutual benefit of their peoples and countries.

On the forthcoming Sierra Leonean elections, both leaders recognized that peace and security are essential to economic growth and development; hence, they expressed optimism that the people of Sierra Leone will conduct free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

President Sirleaf and President Koroma also reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and Charters of the Mano River Union (MRU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), and agreed to harmonize their positions in these regional and international organizations.

They welcomed the inauguration of a chain of National Petroleum (NP) Service stations in Liberia, established by Sierra Leonean and Liberian private investors, and described enterprise as a significant milestone in the economic ties of the two countries.

Recognizing the traditional links amongst the peoples of both countries, both presidents expressed commitment to further advance cross border trade as well as the free movement of goods and persons.

They agreed to foster petroleum exploration in both countries, and to cooperate peacefully on any resultant issues.