The German Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Dr. Bodo Erich Werner Schaff, on Friday, August 27, presented his letters of credence to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Receiving the letters, the President spoke of the cordial relations between Germany and Liberia and the support Germany has provided toward Liberia's recovery program.

The President commended the Government and people of Germany for supporting Liberia in several areas of national development.

The President recounted Germany's support for Liberia at various levels, including the United Nations and its peacekeeping mission in Liberia, debt relief, and Infrastructure through its support for Liberia Infrastructure Fund, to which Germany has provided 19 million Euros.

The President also applauded Germany for supporting Liberia in the areas of water and sanitation, forestry, education and health. The Liberian leader recalled the establishment, in 1959, of a German mining firm, the Bong Mining Company, which provided jobs and training opportunities for Liberians, thereby giving an economic boost for the country.

The Liberian Chief Executive recalled the launch, in Berlin, Germany, in June 2008, of the three-year Poverty Reduction Strategy and the personal commitment of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in advocating for Liberia at international forums.

Responding, the German Ambassador reaffirmed his country's support for Liberia's recovery program and assured the President that Germany will remain a strong partner in Liberia's development. Ambassador Schaff disclosed that 30 percent of the European Union's assistance to Liberia comes from Germany, and promised that the EU will work with the Liberian Government to provide assistance for the National Elections Commission to ensure a free and fair process in next year's General and Presidential Elections.

Foreign Minister Olubanke King-Akerele witnessed Friday's ceremony.