PHIOTO: NaFAA DDGA Augustine Manoballah and South Africa Ambassador Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay shaking hands at NaFAA’s Corporate Headquarters
Monrovia -The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to Liberia, Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay says his government is witnessing what he termed as “immense transformation within the Liberian Fisheries sector under the leadership of Madam Emma Metieh Glassco.
Ambassador Jhazbhay made the comment over the weekend when he held a meeting with Mr. Augustine M. Manoballah, Deputy Director General for Administration at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), a NaFAA press release says.
The South African Ambassador had gone to pay a courtesy visit to the Director General, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco at her Freeport office in Monrovia, but the meeting between the two could not be held due to emergency engagement on the part of the NaFAA boss; however, Mr. Manoballah had to represent her.
Ambassador Jhazbhay said since his country was a longtime partner to Liberia and the fisheries sector was one of those witnessing transformation, it was prudent to meet those at the helm of authorities to extend gratitude.
“So, we thought it was important to have a direct engagement with authorities here to congratulate you on the developments that have unfolded”.
Earlier, Deputy Director General Augustine M. Manoballah called on the Government of South through its embassy near Monrovia to assist in the construction of post harvesting facilities for fishers and fishmongers in the country. By doing, Manoballah said “could improve the handling of fish products in Liberia”.
The NaFAA’s Deputy Director general on behalf of DG Glassco lauded the South African Ambassador for the visit, while expressing optimism for collaboration
The South African Ambassador to Liberia, Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay statement of commendations to NaFAA was made while making reference to his interaction with president George Manneh Weah while presenting his letter of credence.
Ambassador Jhazbhay said in his letter of credence to President George Manneh Weah upon assuming the office of ambassador, assured the Liberian leader of South Africa’s support to the West African country’s priority areas of development. He named fisheries as one of those priority areas.
“And of course, when I gave my letter of credence ceremony note to His Excellency President George Weah, I mentioned in my note we will give support to Liberia whenever possible in those priority areas of development. In those priority areas, the fisheries sector was mentioned.”