President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, on a one-day working visit to neighboring Guinea, has commended the authorities and the people of Guinea for the progress they have made thus far, and their commitment to returning Guinea to constitutional rule.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian President made the commendation in Conakry on Tuesday, August 17, where she was joined by Sierra Leone's President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, to preside over meetings with members of the Transitional Military Government of Guinea, political leaders, and members of the Elections Commission that conducted the first round of the elections in that country. Tuesday's meeting focused on the upcoming run-off election, slated for September.

The Liberian leader, who chairs the Mano River Union sub-regional grouping along with the Sierra Leonean President, held discussions with Guinea's military leader, General Sekouba Konate, regarding his commitment to a free and fair run-off election and his pledge for the military to return to the barracks.

The Liberian and Sierra Leonean Presidents also held talks with the two Presidential contenders in the run-off election and 24 candidates who contested the first round.

"We have come to say to you that we will use our instrumentalities, as limited as they are, to give all of our support to this process, as you go into the second phase of what we know will be a successful transition," the Liberian leader assured Guineans during a press conference that followed the discussions.

President Johnson Sirleaf commended the people of Guinea for making Africa proud in the conduct of the first round of voting, adding, "We want you to know that we are in full solidarity with all of you as you move Guinea forward, to be able to promote the development of your country, to respond to the needs of your people, and to work with us as we try to promote regional cooperation and integration."

The President paid special homage to General Konate and the Prime Minister for the firm commitment demonstrated in moving the process forward.

President Johnson Sirleaf and delegation, which included Planning and Economic Affairs Minister Amara Konneh, and Assistant Minister for Afro-Asian Affairs George Wisner, returned to the country Tuesday night.