President Sirleaf Congratulates United States, Venezuela

Monrovia, July 2, 2012: As the United States celebrates its 236th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday July 4th, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed conviction that the historic ties of friendship and mutual cooperation between Liberia and the US will be further strengthened as the two nations work together for the advancement of democracy and sustainable economic development.

In her congratulatory message to US President Barack Obama, Madam Johnson Sirleaf extended, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of the United States on the observance of this historic event.

A Foreign Ministry release says while expressing joy over the occasion, President Johnson Sirleaf wished for President Obama good health and happiness as he steers the affairs of his compatriots.

She then prayed that the people of United States live in peace, unity and prosperity under Obama’s Administration.

In a related development, the Liberian President has also congratulated the Government and People of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the occasion marking the commemoration of the Independence Anniversary of that South American nation which takes place on Thursday, July 5, 2012.

In a separate message to her Venezuelan counterpart President Hugo Chaveiz, Madam Johnson Sirleaf extended warmest felicitations and best wishes to the People of Venezuela and said the mutual ties and cooperation between Liberia and Venezuela will continue to be further enhanced through the framework of the Africa-South America Cooperation Forum. She further stressed that the bilateral relations subsisting between both countries will be expanded in the years ahead.