President Sirleaf Lauds U.S. Government’s Support to AFL amid huge donation to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL)

Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in the United States , Fri, Jul 15, 2016

 

Monrovia, Liberia: The Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces of Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has lauded the Government of the United States of America for its numerous support to the Armed Forces of Liberia amid the turnover of twenty (20) Land-cruiser pickups and two (2) Boston Whaler (Boats) to boost the operations of the AFL.According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf was speaking on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at Program making the turnover of vehicles, spare parts and assorted equipment from the Government of the United States of America to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia.President Sirleaf said the donation was timely and came at a time when the Government of Liberia was looking into its budget to amend the logistical needs of Liberian Peacekeepers in the Republic of Mali. The Liberian leader said the Pick-ups will enable the AFL to conduct routine security operations and reinforce its participation in the reconstruction of feeder roads across country.  She congratulated Ambassador Christine Elder for always being strategic in her approach to Liberia adding, “Madam Ambassador, your arrival is strategic”
She however thanked the United States government in general for its continued support to the Armed Forces of Liberia, the government and people of Liberia.Presenting the keys to the military vehicles and other equipment, Ambassador Christine Ann Elder said it was her pleasure to officially hand over 18 Land-cruiser pick-ups, two Land-cruiser maintenance vehicles, and two Whaler Boats to the Armed Forces of Liberia. She said the United States of America has a long and continuing relationship with the Armed Forces of Liberia adding: “We were heavily involved with demobilizing the old AFL and actively participated in the training of about 2,000 men and women from across the country and assisting in providing mentorship and training to the new AFL”. 
The United States Envoy applauded government’s commitment in contributing to peacekeeping internationally. She pointed out that in order to support the AFL’s upcoming rotation of a contingent to the MINUSMA Peacekeeping Mission in Mali, the U.S. Government is providing as a permanent donation a 10,000 litter water truck, a 50,000 litter/day water purification unit and a mobile kitchen trailer. She said several of the Land-cruisers are likely to be deployed in Mali.  
Ambassador Elder pointed out that based on the partnership; the U.S. Government will continue its support through the Embassy’s Office of Security Cooperation, focusing on five main areas: Defense Institution Strengthening, Engineer Support, Professional Development, Maritime Security and medical Readiness.Ambassador Elder also indicated among other things that the U .S. will help establish systems to monitor the integrity of the Armed Forces of Liberia, assist with force management and maintenance policies, develop basic clinical and laboratory facilities and provide training for the AFL.She thanked the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia and assured Defense officials of the U.S. Government’s continued support to Liberia The following slideshow is of pictures from the event.

Mr. Jerolinmek Matthew PiahPresidential Press Secretary/Office of the PresidentDepartment of Public AffairsRepublic of Liberiaemail: jpiah@emansion.gov.lr    Alt:jerolinmek.piah@gmail.com/jeromapiah@yahoo.com