Liberia Government (Monrovia)
7 April 2008
Bilateral talks have taken place in London between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
An Executive Mansion dispatch from 10th Downing Street said, the President lauded Britain for its leading role toward debt relief for Liberia as well as the country's security sector and civil service reform programs. The President briefed the British Prime Minister on government's development agenda which have been drawn around Peace and security, Economic revitalization, Infrastructure development and Governance and the rule of Law.
Despite the steady progress, she acknowledged, more needs to be done to tackle several other areas which continue to hamper government's development program. The President spoke of the need for more training for the national police, judges, health care workers and educators. She noted that although progress has been made toward relieving the country of its debt burden, Britain's leadership in helping Liberia achieve comprehensive debt relief will be crucial.
The President also spoke of a drawn down plan of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force. "Once the process is complete, our security forces should be ready to take over the security of the country," the Liberian leader informed the British Prime Minister. The government, President Johnson Sirleaf said, would need all support it can muster in helping it achieve that objective.
Prime Minister Brown, in response, lauded the Liberian leader for the progress being made in tackling the challenges facing the country. The British Prime Minister assured the Liberian leader of his government's support in enhancing the government's development agenda.
Mr. Brown expressed support for government's efforts towards the health care delivery system of the country, and promised that his government will provide support to train Liberian health workers. He also spoke of a malaria and education initiative, pledging that Liberia will also benefit from the programs. As part of his government's health initiative, Mr. Brown disclosed that Britain will also provide vaccinations, and bed nets to help the country's fight against malaria. Mr. Brown also pledged his government's support for a fast track education initiative that would enhance government's primary education program.
"You have been an inspiration to not only Liberia and Africa, but the entire world, and we want to back you in anything you do to help your people," the British Prime Minister assured the Liberian leader.
Responding to President Johnson Sirleaf's concern over the slow delivery on promises, the British Prime Minister said, his team will commence work at once, to ensure that Britain delivers on its commitment to Liberia in time.
The President has also held talks with the Chairman of the British Council, Lord Neil Kinnock. During their meeting Monday, the British official said the Council was willing to work with Liberia in promoting partnership between youths of Liberia and neighbouring countries to help strengthen cooperation among the neighbouring countries. A delegation from the British Council is scheduled to visit Liberia shortly to explore other areas of cooperation.
President Johnson Sirleaf, who later addressed a conference on Women's Health, is now headed back for home.
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