The Governments of the Republic of Liberia and the Federal Republic of Germany on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 signed a Comprehensive Financial Cooperation Agreement. The signing Ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Capitol Hill.

According to a Foreign Ministry Release, under the Agreement, Germany will provide 15Million Euro as financial contribution towards Project Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Foreign Mrs. Olubanke King-Akerele signed on behalf of the Government of Liberia while German Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mr. Bodo Erich Schaff signed on behalf of his Government.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister King-Akerele said the signing of the Agreement is a clear manifestation of Germany's commitment to Liberia's recovery programs as well as strengthening of the long, outstanding bilateral relations between Liberia and Germany.

According to Minister Akerele, the German Government played a leading role in the establishment of Liberia infrastructure development fund and that the government views the donation as a milestone.

Speaking further, Minister King-Akerele on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the people of Liberia expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Germany for the extra-ordinary role played in responding to the Liberian Development goals, within the framework of the PRS.

Foreign Minister King-Akerele said German support has brought hope to a people once undoubtedly, facing obstinate challenges that left so much uncertainty, noting that "we are now regaining hope from the shackles of nation wanton destruction.

The Foreign Minister was quick to note that this hope was garnered by the generous assistance and encouragement from friendly countries as the federal Republic of Germany and other reliable partners.

Speaking further, Minister King-Akerele recounted the risk taken by the German Government for being the first European nation to reopen its Embassy in the country after the civil conflict when many did not dare venture, stressing that this gave assurances for other European countries to follow.

She praised Germany for the signing of another cooperation agreement which she said is a manifestation of that government's commitment to Liberia's recovery programs which will help to strengthen the long outstanding bilateral relations.

Earlier, Ambassador Schaff of Germany disclosed that his Government was impressed aver the performance of the President Johnson Sirleaf's Administration and expressed Germany's commitment in joining Liberia in its development efforts.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Finance Minister, Mr. Augustine Kpele Ngafuan described the Federal Republic of Germany as a strong and true partner whose efforts will forever be remembered in the Liberia Debt Relief efforts. He paid special tribute to Germany for its supports in the development process of the country.

Meanwhile, Minister Ngarfuan said the Reconstruction Trust Fund focused on three main priority areas including the rehabilitation of major roads.