The Executive Director of the Foreign Service Academy (FSA) of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Soulay Daramy, together with his Deputy, Ambassador Victoria Sulimani, has attended the 71st Graduation Ceremony of the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Monrovia, Liberia.
Ambassador Daramy described the event as an honour and conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency Dr. Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia.
He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Reginald B. Goodridge Sr., Director General of the Foreign Service Institute, for the warm reception accorded to the Sierra Leonean delegation since their arrival in Monrovia.
Quoting one of his professors from his diplomatic training, Ambassador Daramy remarked, “An untrained diplomat is like a misguided missile — a loose cannon that can cause irreparable damage in unintended locations.”
He emphasized that a well-trained diplomat acts with purpose, advancing the interests of their country while contributing to global peace and stability.
“A well-trained Foreign Service Officer can be more effective at establishing lasting peace than battalions and tanks, or an air force with a thousand bomber jets,” he stated.
Ambassador Daramy further highlighted the critical role of diplomats, noting that knowledgeable envoys attract investments, while skilled ones ensure their countries remain visible in the right places at the right time.
He commended the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute for its vital contribution to Liberia’s diplomatic landscape, noting that its work continues to strengthen Liberia’s global presence. He referenced Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council as evidence of the country’s growing international influence.
The Ambassador also underscored the strong bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia, recalling that the Foreign Service Academy of Sierra Leone recently hosted a delegation from the Liberian Foreign Service Institute as part of ongoing collaboration.
“This is more than an event; it is a celebration of our shared dreams and aspirations to make meaningful contributions to the diplomatic landscape,” he said.
Ambassador Daramy reaffirmed the FSA’s commitment to building a mutually beneficial partnership with the FSI, noting that enhanced cooperation will strengthen the diplomatic capacities of both nations.
He concluded by congratulating the graduating diplomats on behalf of the Sierra Leone Foreign Service Academy, expressing confidence that the knowledge and skills acquired at the FSI will serve them well in their careers.
“You have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Liberia, the sub-region, and the global community,” he encouraged.
