In continuation of the familiarization tour of the print and electronic media, by the newly accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Zhou Yuxiao of the People's Republic of China, near this Capital, he said a courtesy call on the Management and staff of the National Chronicle Newspaper on Wednesday, at its head office located on Benson Street, adjacent the OK Dry Cleaners.

Ambassador Zhou, at the head of the a three man delegation, had lengthy discussions with the Managing Editor, Emmanuel K. Akyempong and during which time they discussed a wide range of issues currently affecting the Country, which includes the Agriculture, Health, Education, and Roads reconstruction sectors.

 

The soft spoken Diplomat was appreciated by the Managing Editor for the continuation of varied projects initiated by his predecessor. Former Ambassador Lin Songtian and the crucial role which was played in the lives of ordinary Liberians, when other powers sat back and claimed that Liberia was not safe, same was vehemently repudiated internationally by the then representative of the People's Republic of China. The proclamation that indeed Liberia was safe continued today, which eventually culminated into an important state visit by the Chinese Premier H.E. Hu Jintao shortly thereafter.

 

The outspoken Managing Editor reminded the newly accredited Ambassador of the large shoes of Lin Songtian, which he has to fill and fortitude to continue the good works and even surpass, what his predecessor has initiated.

 

Ambassador Zhou espoused that there are no small or big Countries in the United Nations, as every one has one vote. He also asserted that People's Republic of China is striving towards reducing the numerous strafes around the World, as is evident by their continuous presence in the United Nations Mission in Liberia, in order to engender peace and equality for all mankind. He claimed that Liberia may be a small Nation of about with 3 million inhabitants, but it has the capacity to change for the better, if Liberians are willing to work hard. He also asserted that things will get better and that Liberians must be patient, because they have just begun to rebuild their Country.

 

Ambassador Zhou expressed his interest and the cardinal role of the media in the development initiatives of the reconstruction efforts of the Government in post war Liberia.

 

Following these discussions, he was given a guided tour of the entity facilities over looking central Monrovia. He was later introduced to the hard working staff of the National Chronicle, including the Editor in Chief, Wedeo R. Johnson and the News Editor Jonathan Savage, Reports Jacob Walters.

 

Ambassador Zhou said that he will continue the cordial working relations, which was engendered  by his predecessor and the Liberian press in closing.

 

Source: The National Chronicle Newspaper (08/2/1)