Liberia Government (Monrovia)
27 August 2008
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Libyan leader Muammar Al Gaddafi have concluded two days of talks in Tripoli, aimed at fostering bilateral relations between the two countries and enhancing African collaboration and solidarity. In a closed door meeting Tuesday, the two leaders discussed, among other issues, mutual interests between Libya and Liberia, covering the economy, infrastructure development, education, agriculture, and security.
The Libyan leader, according to an Executive Mansion release, assured President Johnson Sirleaf that his country remains fully committed to Liberia's development programs and will ensure that programs earmarked by Libya for implementation will be carried out.
Col. Gaddafi reconfirmed funding for the implementation of projects, including a rubber processing factory to be built in Gbarnga, Bong County, a technical and vocational school for the handicapped and Libyan assistance in helping Liberia tackle the food crisis as well as renovation for the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel.
President Johnson Sirleaf welcomed the recommitment by the Libyan leader and renewed Liberia's commitment to fostering the spirit of political and economic integration of the Continent.
The two leaders shared the belief that development and sustained progress in Africa could be enhanced when African countries and their leaders remained united.
The two-day visit by President Johnson Sirleaf to Libya is the third by the Liberian leader since she assumed the presidency over two years ago.
Meanwhile, members of the Traditional Council of Chiefs of Liberia, headed by Chief Zanzar Karwor have honored the Libyan leader during a gowning ceremony in Tripoli. Speaking Tuesday at the occasion, the head of the Council, Chief Karwor, said they were pleased to honor Col. Gaddafi in appreciation of his support for the development, peace and stability of Liberia.
The Liberian traditional chiefs welcomed the support the Libyan leader and people continue to provide in Liberia's development initiatives and said they are committed to helping President Johnson Sirleaf achieve those objectives.
Ten traditional chiefs from Liberia are in Tripoli, upon the invitation of the Libyan leader to participate in programs marking the September 1st Anniversary of the Revolution that brought Col. Gaddafi to power 39 years ago. They are among traditional chiefs from several African countries invited to witness the occasion.
The President, now back in the country, was met upon arrival Wednesday afternoon by Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Dr. Edward McClain, and Internal Affairs Minister, Ambulai Johnson, who chaired the Cabinet during President Johnson Sirleaf's absence from the country.
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Isn't this ironic and suspicious? A desert nation helping a tropic rainforest one with farming. I never heard of Libya being a high rice producing country or spearding it's research. What really is this 30 million dollars for? Secondly, whether one thinks that those warlords who have helped bring anarchy to Liberia are lying in their statements or not, the one thing they all agree on is that Libya, Bokina Faso and the Ivory Coast all helped in distabilizing Liberia; especially Libya. Has the Liberian leader demanded retributions or at least apologies from these nations or we must once… [Read Full Text]
Look CHAPPIE, this does not only sound ironic but also paradoxical. I want to use this time to bring to your attention some facts about Libya. Libya is 90% desert and less than 8% of its land is arable(meaning can grow food). This is the important thing, there is maximum agricultural production on this 7% arable land through mechanized farming in Libya. This is the area in which they want to help us, mechanized agricultural production. With our tropical rain forest and fertile soil, we have not been able to produce a bag of rice over the past 161 years… [Read Full Text]
Tonyhammaw, I admire your argument and you raised some valid points, however, I believe you either missed the point I was trying to make or I didn't make myself clear enough. There something that is also going with Libya and another country- United States of America. Libya has been trying for the longest time now to enter the world stage and become a major actor. But its path has been blocked continuously by the U.S. and its allies because of Libya's past deeds; meaningly, the sponsoring of terrorists. U.S. has made perfectly clear that in order for… [Read Full Text]
My dear Tonyhammaw, you have missed the point. Not every offer that is extended to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf she accepts and takes. There are lots of offers out there that have dangerous string attached to. Moreover, you and other Liberians who do not know the activities of col. Kadafi need to learn that Kadafif is one of the principles who brought Liberia to its needs today. The training and financing of Liberia's war was from Libya. Mr Tonyhammaw, be well of wolf in sheep clothing. Kadafi has some different motives for south sahara africa. While it is true… [Read Full Text]
Old Lady, Mama President, Thanks for your efforts. We have nothing in Liberia and we should never eat crab with shame. Any invitation or opportunity you are extended please use it to beg for the good of Liberia. Liberia has been exporting pure natural rubber and ion ore before the oldest man in Liberia was born but we are yet to produce one 'tipoteh' or everyday slippers and ordinary eating spoon. Our people say, 'since J. J. Roberts time' we have been eating rice but we are yet to produce a bag of rice despite the fact we have some… [Read Full Text]