The fifteen members of the United Nations Security Council delegation, co-led by Ambassador Susan Rice of the United States of America and Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki of Morocco today have met with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and some cabinet members.

The President and the co-leaders of the Security Council delegation addressed the press at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the meeting.

In her remarks, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, expressed her delight that the delegation included Liberia on this visit, ‘I would like to say a big welcome to the two Co-chairs and to the members of the Security Council delegation” she said. Speaking about aspects of the visit, the President noted that the delegation would be able to assess where Liberia was in terms of the support it is receiving particularly from the UN peacekeeping force, as well as see the progress made in the nation and understand some of the challenges.

Ambassador Susan Rice commended the Liberian people and the Government for conducting free, fair and transparent elections, adding, ‘We [also] applaud the president and her team for inaugurating an ambitious national development and economic agenda”.

The US Ambassador, noted that “it was quite evident that Liberia has made [quite] considerable progress since the end of the civil war”, stating that the delegation was “looking forward of observing that progress first hand.”

For his part Ambassador Mohammed Loulichki highlighted that the Security Council came to Liberia with a message of appreciation of what has been achieved by Liberia and the leadership, adding a message of support and optimism about the future of this African country. The Moroccan Ambassador speaking as one of the three African members of the Security Council, said “we are extremely proud of what Liberia is achieving and we are optimistic about the future of this country, not only to stabilize but also to have a prosperous future.”

The United Nations Ambassadors noted that the Security Council very much supports the collective efforts made towards reconciliation and inclusive dialogue; along with those made to consolidate peace and support the development of civil society; particularly, Women’s Groups

During their visit, the Security Council members will meet with various stakeholders including Liberian security and rule of law representatives as well as civil society organizations. The last visit of the Security Council to Liberia was in 2009.