President Sirleaf Receives New U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Christine Elder Letters of Credence

EXECUTIVE MANSION

US Ambassador Christine Elder presents Letters of Credence to President Sirleaf.

US officials at the Letters of Credence presentation ceremony for new U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Christine Elder

President Sirleaf and Ambassador Elder

Executive Mansion , Thu, Jun 23, 2016

MONROVIA, LIBERIA - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America accredited to Liberia, Her Excellency Christine Elder.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf acknowledged and expressed appreciation on behalf of the Liberian Government for the excellent relationship that has existed over a century between Liberia and the United States of America. She pointed out that the U.S. has successfully cooperated and collaborated with Liberia in many sectors including governance, security, energy, education, health, agriculture and particularly recalled the huge contributions of the United States of America during the fight against the deadly ebola virus disease.

President Sirleaf told the new U.S. Ambassador that as a result of the efforts and the rest of the international community and the experience gained during the Ebola crisis, the response capacity of Liberia has been built as reflected in containment of the few outbreaks that followed.

She reminded the Americans that the 2017 General and Presidential Elections remains of importance to Liberia and stressed that the conduct of free, fair, transparent and credible elections is the key to maintaining peace, security and development and called on the Americans to stand with Liberia during the progress. “The 2017 elections are very important for Liberia because it will the first time in decades to have a peaceful transition whereby a sitting democratically elected President will be transferring power to another democratically elected President. This will indeed be a moment of history for Liberia and so we urge the U.S. and others to stand with us and support the process.

She told the new American Ambassador that the entire country was looking forward to receiving a distinguished guest with the visit of the First Lady of America, Michelle Obama on 27 June, 2016. We will receive her and look forward to a long stay in the future. President concluded by acknowledging the roles and contributions of American auxiliary institutions towards Liberia’s rebuilding efforts and pledged the country’s commitment to the partnership and friendship with the United States of America.

For her part, Ambassador Christine Elder expressed satisfaction for her assignment to Liberia and pointed out that she has the full backing and support of both President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry for her Liberian mission. “I am very proud of our team in Liberia and appreciates the many thing they have done to help the country with its transformation process”, Ambassador Elder indicated.

She described the U.S. partnership and cooperation with Liberia as impressive, adding that she looks forward to working with President Sirleaf and her government to the very last days of her administration. She assured Liberians that the United States Government will cooperate with and support Liberia as UNMIL draws down and urged Liberians themselves to build peace amongst themselves.

The United States of America and Liberia will continue to cooperate and we sincerely acknowledged the progress Liberia has made. You have demonstrated an extraordinary leadership and commitment to Liberia’s transformation. The visit of First Lady Michelle Obama will also help strengthen the relationship between Liberia and the U.S.”, Ambassador Elder concluded.


To read the full piece from Executive Mansion, click here.