Secretary Rice: Travel to Africa, January 15-16, 2006

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf greeted Secretary Rice and First Lady Laura Bush in Monrovia, Liberia, Monday January 16, 2006. more photos

On January 16, Mrs. Bush led a delegation that included Secretary Rice to attend the inauguration of the President-elect of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleif, the first woman to be elected President on the continent of Africa.

The United States strongly supported the recent democratic elections in Liberia. This delegation reflects the President's continued commitment to democracy and supporting countries making the difficult transition from war to peace, and from tyranny to liberty. The United States looks forward to working with the new President and the people of Liberia to rebuild their institutions, establish stability and prosperity, and create an environment for reconciliation.

Mrs. Bush also visited Ghana with six university presidents from the United States to unveil the Textbooks and Learning Materials Program. This program links minority-serving colleges in the U.S. with institutions in Africa to provide textbooks and school supplies for African students. By working together, the U.S. Government and institutions of higher education can introduce people around the world to the America we know.

Remarks by Secretary Rice
01/16/06  Secretary Rice With Wellington Geevon Smith of Liberian Star Radio
01/16/06  Remarks En Route Monrovia, Liberia

Related Information
White House Site for First Lady Laura Bush

Remarks
01/13/06  Assistant Secretary Frazer on Secretary Rice's Trip to Liberia and Other African Developments

Releases
01/13/06  Liberia: Building a Future of Peace and Security  PDF version