Monrovia, Liberia, Jan. 15: H.E. ZHOU Yuxiao, Chinese Ambassador accredited to Liberia, has been honored by the Inquirer Newspaper on Saturday as the Diplomat of the Year of 2010 during his attendance of a cheerful ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of the newspaper.

Receiving the honor from Mr. P. N. Wesseh, the Managing Director of the Inquirer Newspaper, Amb. ZHOU expressed his appreciation towards the media for the kind gesture, which according to this senior Chinese diplomat, representing Liberia and its people’s recognition of China’s positive engagement in its postwar peace building and reconstruction effort, therefore, he takes the honor for his country and its people.

The highest Chinese envoy in Liberia also commended the Inquirer Newspaper for its hard but fruitful journey all the way through since its founding in 1991, and described its 20th anniversary as a milestone to maturity as an independent media institution. Emphasizing the significance of media institution to the Liberia society, “Media can make a difference to the country”, Amb. ZHOU also challenged the media institutions in the country to assert its influence on the positive changes of the country’s peace and development agenda. As Liberia is embracing the coming general election, media should play its due role in making sure a peaceful election with no disturbance to the peace and development, Amb. ZHOU added.

The ceremony brought together 100 plus guests present and as one of the oldest independent newspapers in Liberia, the Inquirer claims a wide range of public support for its hard earned credibility and reputation.