The NEWS (Monrovia)
3 October 2008
Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has lauded the Life Without Limbs Ministries for its interest in Liberia as the country continues on the path of development and renewal.
The President spoke Tuesday at the Foreign Ministry when she met with Australian Pastor Nick Vujicic of Life Without Limbs International.
Pastor Vujicic is regarded as an icon worldwide. He was born without limbs, but preaches the word of God and draws attention to the plight of the underprivileged.
He has been sharing the word of God at various crusades in Monrovia under the theme "Liberia Awake."
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader commended Pastor Vujicic for his visit and described it as timely as Liberia works to overcome the adversities of the past.
President Johnson Sirleaf applauded the Australian prelate for 'bringing consciousness to Liberia,' noting that his presence in Liberia could help strengthen young people in Liberia as they strive for success in their future endeavors.
For his part, Pastor Vujicic said he looks forward to developing a relationship with Liberia and assured the President that Life Without Limbs will continue to pray for Liberia's continuous progress.
Pastor Vujicic was accompanied to the office of the President by Presidential Religious Advisor Esther Nyema and members of the Life Without Limbs International.
Meanwhile, Liberia and Australia have agreed to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level. The decision was reached last week when Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Australian Prime Minister, Keivin Rudd, held discussions at the Liberian Mission in New York, the United States.
Modalities for the implementation of the agreement are to be worked out through foreign ministry authorities of the two countries.
During their discussions, the Liberian leader briefed Prime Minister Rudd on the progress government has made in pursuing its development agenda, adding that "despite some noticeable gains, the country's destroyed infrastructure continues to affect its ability to attract more foreign investment.
She pointed out that unemployment, limited capacity, corruption and a weak judiciary is also among factors which continue to impede the country's progress.
President Johnson Sirleaf, however, indicated that government is instituting measures to confront the shortcomings, which she attributed to years of neglect and mismanagement.
The President informed Prime Minister Rudd of the enormous investment opportunities Liberia offers and urged Australian companies to take advantage of the potential.
An Australian company, Woodside, is among a number of companies engaged in oil exploration in Liberia.
For his part, the Australian Prime Minister acknowledged that Africa has been 'off the radar' in Australia's foreign policy and said his country intends to put the relations back on track.
He said his country has agreed to train Liberians in the fields of mining, engineering, and agriculture beginning academic year 2009.
Prime Minister Rudd promised that his country will consider making a modest contribution to Liberia's Infrastructure Fund and that he would work with Liberia meet some of its short and long term development goals.
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