Liberia and Equatorial Guinea Sign Agreement as President Johnson Sirleaf Concludes Visit

Wednesday, 9th December 2009

Bata, Equatorial Guinea - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on December 9 concluded a three-day visit to Equatorial Guinea, during which the two countries signed a bilateral agreement that focuses on economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Agreement, signed in the coastal economic city of Bata, provides for a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the four areas. It also establishes an Equatorial Guinea - Liberia Joint Commission, which will meet every two years, alternating in the two capitals.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Ambassador Sylvester M. Grigsby, signed on behalf of the Republic of Liberia, while Mr. Jose Esons Micha, the Acting Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and French Culture, signed on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Also on Wednesday, the Liberian leader toured the Bata Housing Project, and expressed appreciation for the level of progress made to provide low-cost housing to the people of Equatorial Guinea.

Briefing the President, Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Infrastructure said that the project is intended to benefit primarily the elderly and low-income citizens. The project, which is nearing completion, represents a fraction of more than 30,000 low-cost housing units the government is already constructing throughout the country.

Before departing for home, the Liberian leader paid a courtesy call on President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.  The Liberian President was one of nine African leaders invited by the Government of Equatorial Guinea to witness the inauguration of President Nguema. The ceremony was held December 8 at the International Convention Center in Bata.

The President’s delegation included Liberia’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rudolf Von Ballmoos; the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Ambassador Grigsby; and the President’s Energy Advisor, Mr. Chris Neyor, among others.

The President returned to the country Wednesday afternoon and was greeted at the Roberts International Airport by the Acting Chairman of the Cabinet, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and other senior officials of Government.

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