Monrovia — The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is challenging the Liberian Government to reduce poverty and create jobs by developing the agriculture sector of the country.

He observed that Liberia is abundantly blessed in agriculture resources, and as such, it should demonstrate to the world that it has the capacity to produce food not to only to meet their individual needs, but also export abroad.

The UN Secretary General made the assertion Tuesday when he addressed the Joint Session of the National Legislature at the Capitol in Monrovia.

Ban Ki-moon also called on international partners to assist Liberia realize its potential in the agriculture sector, and assured that UN would continue to work with Liberia in its stride to reach the Millennium Development Goals, including the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The UN SG also noted that his organization would work with Liberia to build a comprehensive national strategy for the future which gives equal weight and attention to development, security and human rights, all aim at the rule of law.

"As representatives in the history of this country, you have a unique chance to build a national vision for a secured peaceful and prosperous nation - one that provides opportunities for all of its citizens. You have a mandate to open a new chapter in Liberia's history by putting the country and its people first, before personal interest," he told the legislators.

He revealed that UNMIL has embarked on the first phase of its drawdown in compliance with UN Security Council resolution 1777, but pointed out that in September this year, UNMIL would decide on the next phase of its drawdown exercise after reviewing the progress made by the government in meeting certain critical benchmarks.

According to him, gradual and phase down draw of the mission's military and police components will be carried out based on government's ability to assume full responsibility for its national security.

The UN Secretary General indicated that the strategic goal of the mission is to ensure that Liberia has a solid security sector, one that can stand on its own feet before UNMIL completes its withdrawal.

Mr. Ban, however, assured that UNMIL would remain vigilant about any developments in the sub-region that could affect Liberia's peace and stability.

Speaking earlier, House Speaker Alex Tyler said they were gratified for the presence of UNMIL because it is through the instrumentality of the mission that Liberians and foreign nationals residing here were enjoying the peace and stability in Liberia.

He observed that the achievement by the UN fully justifies its existence and its impact on the political behavior of states.

The joint session was attended by members of both Houses of the National Legislature.