President Barack Obama today praised Liberia's progress against poverty and corruption, saying its neighbors can learn from its emerging dedication to democracy.
Obama welcomed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Thursday for an Oval Office visit, praising her for leading Liberia after its brutal civil war.
Obama met Sirleaf in the Oval Office, and pledged the United States would stand with Liberia at every step of the way of its democratic development.
"I have been an extraordinary admirer of her work for many years now.... The United States and Liberia are close friends, longstanding partners, and Liberia is now emerging from a very difficult period," Obama said.
"Part of the reason it has been able to emerge is because of the heroism and courage of President Sirleaf."
"She is committed to the rule of law, made strides in reforming the judiciary and in all these endeavors I want to make sure the people of Liberia understand... that the United States is a constant friend and partner."
Obama said Sirleaf's example should be taken as inspiration to other African nations including, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Niger.
Sirleaf said her country had made important progress, and she thanked Obama for his and America's support.
Africa's first elected female head of state, Sirleaf said that she would not hide the fact that Liberia had challenges, but added that all basic freedoms were alive in her country today.
"We said that we were going to make Liberia rise again. I come today on behalf of the Liberian people to say that we have made a lot of progress," she said.
"We have been able to maintain peace for seven years now."
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