U.S. President Barrack Obama has described President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as a friend and ally of the United States of America and committed his government to supporting Liberia with its post-Ebola Recovery Plan.
A Dispatch from Washington, D. C., says the American President made the disclosure during a media stakeout with President Sirleaf at the White House before a private bilateral meeting at the Oval Office on Friday, February 27, 2015.
He noted that Liberia and the United States of America have an extraordinary bond of friendship.
President Obama recalled Liberia's brutal civil war that killed thousands of people and how the Sirleaf-led administration has worked to revive the once destroyed and ravished nation to an unprecedented level of progress, and that she came into office under some of the most challenging of circumstances.
He added that 2014 was a difficult year for Liberia, but that President Sirleaf's extraordinary leadership proved a difference in making the situation what it is now.
"Let express my condolences for the lives lost and the role of the leadership of Liberia, healthcare workers, community leaders, the Liberian people and international partners that have reduced the effect of the Ebola virus to about 95%," President Obama indicated, adding that the job is not done yet because Guinea and Sierra Leone still have more to do.
President Obama stressed that the courageous and extraordinary leadership of President Sirleaf averted a catastrophe that threatened the world and that the United States was proud of its overall involvement and the role of its military and other international health care workers, what could have been a devastating catastrophe has now been brought under control.
"Normal life has returned to Liberia. Children are back in school. Soccer matches are once again being played. Economic activities are resuming and businesses are reopening due to the progress made by President Sirleaf's leadership," the US President said; adding that he is proud of what Liberia has accomplished and proud of the Liberian Government and the President's leadership.
He assured President Sirleaf that he will work with her government to restart and strengthen the economy, build infrastructures and help implement previous development goals already set by the Sirleaf-led Government, He was also keen on knowing how the U.S. can be of help.
"We are looking at the return of the Peace Corps, ensure the process to reduce corruption, deliver basic services, etc. This is the kind of partnership we are concerned about," President Obama stressed.
He noted that the Liberian President has solidified democracy and worked to reduce corruption,
For her part, President Sirleaf thanked President Obama for the kind words about her and the Liberian administration and indicated that she was in the U.S. to say thanks to President Obama, the U.S. Congress and the American people and institutions on behalf of the Liberian people.
"I recalled when the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, called for world's action at a Special Meeting, President Obama and the United States was there for us. President Obama gave a global clarion call for the world to act...http://allafrica.com/stories/201503022007.html
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