Big First Step – Govt, Mali Embark On Stronger Ties

The Informer (Monrovia)

D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh

27 April 2011

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her Malian counterpart Amadou Toumani Toure yesterday signed a joint communiqué in Monrovia for the reestablishment of the Liberia-Mali Joint Commission – dormant for decades.

The Liberia-Mali Joint Commission was established during the administration of the late President William V.S. Tubman, more than forty years ago.

It was first established in 1960, but has been dormant despite attempts by previous administrations to re-establish it.

President Sirleaf described the communiqué – signed at the climax of a two-day state visit by President Toure – as a “big first step” in reigniting the bilateral ties between the two West Africa states.

The two presidents and their respective delegations held mutual discussions during which they examined existing and potential areas of cooperation between the two countries; reaffirmed the cordial and brotherly relations and corporation that exist between the two countries, and to consider ways to further deepen and expand their cooperation.

According to the communiqué, the two presidents agreed to expand cooperation in the areas of trade, commerce, agriculture, air transport service and transshipment of goods, investment and the security sector.

The Presidents, the Communiqué read, directed the responsible Ministers of their two countries to take the necessary measures for the establishment of the Liberia-Mali Joint Commission and to convene the first session not later than October this year.

President Sirleaf who invited her Malian counter for the state visit said the event served as an opportunity for both leaders and their officials to have in-depth discussions about their respective countries and the relations subsisting between them.

“It puts us in a potential position to move forward with the relationship between our two countries…it helped us to hold in-depth discussions….We hope we will tie it [bilateral ties] up,” President Sirleaf stated, adding, “This is the big first step.”

President Sirleaf hoped that both countries can work together to help resolve conflicts on the Continent of Africa that have “kept us divided and prevented us from reaching our goals of development.”

According to the communiqué, both leaders commended their respective governments for the progress they have made since taking power and “agreed that democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, on a sustained basis, are necessary for the maintenance of peace, stability and national unity and the promotion of economic growth and progress.”

Malian President Toure praised and commended President Sirleaf for her capable leadership and effective management of the country which have contributed to the rapid recovery of the country from years of conflict.

He noted that the Liberian Leader has brought tremendous physical development and progress to the country in a very short time and extolled her efforts at national reconciliation and unity.

“President Toure mentioned the preeminence of Madam Sirleaf which he said was an inspiration for women in her country and in Africa for the positive role she continues to play in Liberia and the continent,” the communiqué read.

For her part, President Sirleaf paid tribute to H.E. Mr. Amadou Toumani Toure for his prudent economic policies which have been responsible in achieving economic vibrancy in Mali and for improving the lives of the Malian people and for his preeminent role as a mediator and negotiator for peace in Africa.

Reviewing the security situation in the sub-region, the Presidents expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the Republic of Guinea since the elections and the inauguration of the democratically elected President, Professor Alpha Conde.

They however expressed regret at the violence which ensued following the elections in La Cote d’Ivoire and the tragic loss of lives there.

With calm returning to the country, they commended the efforts of the new Ivorian Government headed by His Excellency Allassane Dramane Ouattara, aimed at restoring the country to normalcy.

The two leaders called on the Ivorian people to embrace the healing process and reconcile the nation.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and President Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali welcomed the outcome of the Nigerian elections and congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan on his election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Concerning the Libyan crisis, the two Presidents expressed concerns at the continuing violence and hostilities and called on all parties to observe a ceasefire to allow negotiations and give the people of Libya a chance to determine their own future.

With regards to the Economic situation on the continent, the Presidents reaffirmed their determination to work cooperatively together for the expansion of economic linkages among African countries and to promote the speedy realization of genuine African integration.

Meanwhile, President Toure has extended an invitation to the Liberian leader to pay an official visit to the Republic of Mali, which was accepted. The date of the visit will be determined through diplomatic channels.

The Malian leader, who arrived in Liberia Monday to a rousing welcome, was met upon arrival at the Roberts International Airport by the Liberian leader and other senior officials.

Following official airport ceremonies, the Malian leader and President Johnson Sirleaf made a stop-over at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, where the two leaders participated in programs marking World Malaria Day.

He departed the country last evening.

AllAfrica – All the Time