President Johnson Sirleaf to Hold Talks with President Bush in D.C.

Executive Mansion Press Release - Saturday, 18th October 2008

Monrovia, Liberia - At the invitation of United States President George Bush, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her American counterpart are scheduled to meet next week at the White House in Washington, D.C. During Wednesday’s discussions, the two leaders will review the status of United States support for Liberia’s development agenda.

An Executive Mansion release says the meeting between Presidents Johnson Sirleaf and Bush will also provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss ongoing areas of U.S.- Liberian cooperation, including efforts to reform Liberia’s security sector, combat malaria, and improve the quality of education. Defense Minister Brownie Samukai, who is traveling with the President, as well as United States Aambassador to Liberia, Linda Greenfield Thomas-Greenfield, will participate in the meeting at the Oval Office.

During the five-day official visit, the Liberian President will also make a presentation at an International Development Summit scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C.  The President will address the Summit on the Importance of Country Ownership and Governance. The Washington Summit held on October 21st is expected to be the last international meeting in which President Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will participate personally in their current capacities.

President Johnson Sirleaf leaves Saturday and returns next week. During the President’s absence, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Ambulai Johnson, will serve as chairman of the Cabinet.  He will coordinate the affairs of Government in consultation with the Vice President, Joseph Boakai.