Windhoek — The leaders of Liberia and Namibia will Monday hold official talks centered on bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The discussions between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, will culminate with the signing of a framework agreement on economic, technical, scientific, cultural and tourism cooperation between the two nations.

An Executive Mansion dispatch says President Sirleaf arrived in Windhoek Sunday afternoon at the start of a two-day state visit. The President and party were received upon arrival by her Namibian counterpart, His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, officials of government and members of civil society groups, as well as traditional dances and cultural groups.

The official arrival ceremonies included the inspection of the Guard of Honor and a 21 gun salute. A State Banquet is being tendered in honor of the President and her delegation Sunday night.

As part of the state visit, President Sirleaf will Tuesday address a Joint Session of the Namibian parliament and tour other potential areas of cooperation in the diamond and fishing industries.

Namibia is a major producer and an exporter of fish.

The President's visit to Namibia follows a visit to Johannesburg at the invitation of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, where she delivered the 6th Annual Nelson Mandela Lecture held in Kliptown, Soweto last Saturday.

Before departing South Africa, the President of the African National Congress, Mr. Jacob Zuma, paid a courtesy call on President Sirleaf. Mr. Zuma said he had looked forward to a meeting with the Liberian leader to share thoughts on and show appreciation for the President's articulation of a new kind of an emerging leadership that seeks the African renaissance.

President Sirleaf welcomed the meeting and thanked Mr. Zuma for his role in the African liberation movement.

Sunday's meeting was witnessed by Liberian opposition leader, Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, who formed part of the President's delegation at the Nelson Mandela Lecture. Dr. Tipoteh also thanked Mr. Zuma, and added that despite political differences all politicians must work together for the common good of their respective countries, and that is why he accepted President Sirleaf's invitation to join her in South Afric.