Your Excellency Mr. President,

The President of the Russian Federation His Excellency Mr.Boris Yeltsin invested me with his high confidence having appointed me as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Sierra Leone. In this capacity I have the honour to present to You today my Letters of Credence as well as the Letters of Recall of my predecessor.

Availing myself of the opportunity offered hereby I would like to note with satisfaction that the relations between our countries have always been the relations of friends, and Russia as the successor state and continuer of the USSR is determined not only to preserve but also to enlarge the experience of bilateral co-operation accumulated during more than 30 years.

Problems of Your country, sufferings of its people are taken close to heart in Russia. Your know, Mr.President, that Russia has always been on the side of the legally elected President and Government of Sierra Leone and constantly rendered support in the UN Security Counsil to the process of restoration of democratic rule. My country welcomes the efforts of the Sierra Leonean Government aimed at achievement of lasting peace and reconstruction of national economy of Sierra Leone and attentively follows the process of national reconciliation in the country. In the capacity of a permanent member of the UN Security Council we are ready to contribute together with other countries and the OAU to the peaceful settlement of the internal conflict. We hope that all those the country’s peace, stability and security depend on will realize hopelessness and harmfulness of further armed resistance and, having manifested political wisdom and responsibility for the nation’s destiny, put an end to the destructive war.

Similarity of our positions on issues of world policy, our countries’ orientation towards common democratic values in dealing with problems of the international community represent an important factor favouring the dialogue between Russia and Sierra Leone.

The Russian Federation is now living through a difficult period of its history. That is why we consider it even more important to confirm our keen interest in continuing and intensifying of interaction with African countries, developing of mutually advantageous co-operation with them, co-ordinating of activities on the world scene for the good of universal peace and justice.

As for Sierra Leone we are convinced that normalization of this country’s internal political situation will create conditions for development of our bilateral relations. There are, in particular, prospects for establishing co-operation in the spheres of sea fishing, mining industry and agriculture.

I would like to assure You that in the capacity of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Sierra Leone I shall make every effort for strengthening of the best traditions of our bilateral relationship.

Allow me to express a hope that on Your part, Mr.President, as well as on the part of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone I will meet understanding and support in execution of the high mission I am entrusted with.

Please allow me, Your Excellency, to wish You personally, the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and all the Sierra Leonean people happiness, prosperity and success in reforming and development of Your beautiful country.