The Korea Herald

피터빈트

Sierra Leone seeks Korea's help in reconstruction plans

By KH디지털2

Published : Dec. 15, 2015 - 10:31

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Sierra Leone has asked for more participation from South Korean firms in its reconstruction efforts following the Ebola outbreak, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
  

Sierra Leonean Vice President Victor Foh delivered the request to Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se when they met Monday during Foh's five-day visit to South Korea.
  

"Vice President Foh assessed the high quality of roads and bridges that our firms have built in Sierra Leone and asked that South Korean businesses make full use of the economic opportunities Sierra has to offer, including natural resources and a favorable business environment," the minister said.
  

"He also asked that South Korea actively participate in post-Ebola reconstruction projects, such as the construction of hospitals and housing, as well as the construction of a city hall in the capital Freetown, which our government is pursuing through concessional loans."
  

Yun explained that the city hall project is expected to be resumed soon, now that the West African nation has been declared Ebola-free and the South Korean government has eased its travel restrictions on the country.
  

Foh thanked South Korea for its support during the Ebola crisis, saying that he hopes the two sides strengthen ties in various sectors, including development, agriculture, infrastructure, education and tourism.
  

Nearly 4,000 people in Sierra Leone were killed in the epidemic, according to official data.
  

South Korea sent 24 relief workers and $17.6 million in aid to help the West African nation fight the outbreak. (Yonhap)