President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has stressed Liberia’s need to develop strong partnerships for the future during her bilateral talks with senior officials of the Spanish government.
• President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf
During her meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapaterro, Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf stressed the need to foster bilateral ties between both countries which would lead to win-win cooperation.
She said Liberia has a lot of investment opportunities which Spain could explore.
Prime Minister Zapaterro praised the Liberian leader for the good work done thus far and pledged his government’s support towards strengthening bilateral ties between both countries.
The President was also taken on a tour of the Spanish Parliament by its Speaker as they discussed how both countries parliament could collaborate.
Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf also met with the President of the Madrid Regional Government, Madam Esperanza Aguirre, during which she congratulated Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf for her elections victory in 2005 and pledged the Region of Madrid’s support to the government of Liberia.
She tasked President Johnson-Sirleaf to determine how helpful the region of Madrid could be to Liberia. In another development, Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf has participated in the closing of the Spain-Africa conference on women held in Madrid.
The conference, held under the theme ‘Women for a better world’, brought together 400 women from Africa and Spain in an aim of finding ways to improve their lives and conditions around the world.
As he closed the conference, Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapaterro, expressed his government’s commitment to the Madrid Declaration adding that the government of Spain will work towards strengthening cooperation with Africa.
He said his government has tripled its financing of developmental aid and regional initiatives for Africa, adding that the image that Africa equals crisis must change.
In another presidential news, Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf says her ascendancy to the Liberian Presidency represents a positive change for the women of the world.
She has also praised the world’s women and girls for taking up the challenge to change their lives for the better. The President says gross violation of women and girls rights continue with impunity, but stressed that there is now more global sensitivity and awareness.
The Liberian Leader spoke today when she addressed the opening session of the Spain-Africa Conference on women taking place in Madrid under the theme ‘Women For A Better World’ in Madrid.
Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf further emphasized that for any seed change to occur in the conditions of women, the leadership and support of husbands and brothers would be required. She informed the participants that her government has made substantial strides in improving the lives of women, stating that rape is no longer a bailable crime in Liberia.
Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf said there is an imperative need for a robust and comprehensive plan for young girls to have a place in society and specifically called for more skills program for young women.
She emphasized the need for conditions to be put in place to discourage violation against women and strongly reiterated her government’s commitment to working with the world’s women to achieve better conditions for women.
Other speakers who addressed the opening session of the conference included Her Majesty Queen Sofia of Spain; Her Excellency Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, Vice President of Spain; Her Excellency Luisa Diogo, Prime Minister of Mozambique and former Nobel Prize winner Madam Wangari Mathai of Kenya.
Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf is on a two day official visit to Spain and is accompanied by senior government officials including Labor Minister Sam Woods, Transport Minister Jeremiah Sulunteh, Maryland Cty Rep., Hon. Bhofal Chambers and Rivercess Cty Rep., Hon. Elizabeth Williams, an Executive Mansion press release signed by Assistant Presidential Press Secretary Charles S. Nelson said here yesterday.
In a related development, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has arrived in the Japanese capital Tokyo at the start of a two day official visit. The Liberian Leader and entourage touched down at 10:30 a.m. and were warmly received by Japanese officials.
Today, March 12, the President will officially begin talks geared towards strengthening bilateral cooperation as she continues her drive towards national reconstruction and renewal.
She is scheduled to meet the Emperor of Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the Finance Minister as well as have dinner with Members with the House of Representatives.
The President is also expected to have a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps.
On Tuesday, March 13, she will hold talks with the President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and be hosted to lunch by former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. She is finally expected to deliver a lecture at the UN University.
The President arrived in Tokyo at the head of a high power delegation which includes Foreign Minister George Wallace, Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh and Justice Minister Frances Johnson-Morris.
Others include Grand Bassa Cty Senator M. Gbezonghar Findley, Rep. Regina Teah and Sinoe Cty Superintendent Sylvester Grigsby.
