Executive Mansion New Release, Barcelona  

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and party arrived in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday morning at the start of a three day visit which also includes activities in Valencia.

The President of the regional government of Catalonia in Barcelona, Jose Montilla, welcoming the Liberian President and delegation, commended the Liberian leader for the remarkable progress Liberia is making under her leadership. Mr. Montilla described the Liberian leader as a true symbol of women emancipation beyond Liberia. He spoke of the need for private sector involvement in the national reconstruction of Liberia and said Catalonia would be willing to deepen bilateral relations between his region and Liberia to help promote the collaboration.

President Johnson Sirleaf, in response, recalled the long standing relations between Spain and Liberia and promised the Liberian Government’s commitment in helping to foster stronger ties between the two countries for their mutual benefits. The President said Liberia is seeking new areas of cooperation which would attract investors to the country’s private sector.  Spain, the President said, could be a strong partner in that direction, as the two countries seek to strengthen their bilateral ties.

The Liberian President spoke at a luncheon tendered in her honor by the President and Government of Catalonia.

The President later held a meeting with women business Executives at the University of Navarra, aimed at promoting business opportunities in Liberia.

Thursday’s meeting was followed by a brief lecture by the Liberian President, followed by a presentation by the Chairman of the National Investment Commission, Richard Tolbert. Dr. Tolbert’s presentation focused on the many investment opportunities Liberia offers and called on business men and women to take advantage of the healthy business climate in Liberia.

Earlier, the Liberian President participated in a meeting in Barcelona of Spanish entrepreneurs to discuss trade and investment potential for Liberia.

The President and delegation depart Barcelona Friday for Valencia where she will address a forum on women issues.  The “Women for a Better World” Conference is being hosted by the Vice President of Spain, who cancelled a similar meeting last year to participate in the International Women’s Colloquium, held in Monrovia.