Liberian president arrives for three-day state visit

GOTHATAONE MOENG
Staff Writer | Monday May 21, 2012 00:00

 

This visit follows a similar one by President Khama last year ahead of liberia's elections. Sirleaf, who arrived in Gaborone yesterday evening, is on a three-day state visit at the invitation of Khama, her first official visit here since becoming the president of Liberia in 2005.

Sirleaf, often called the 'Iron Lady' for her steely determination, became the first female African president when she won Liberia's first  general elections.  Last year, she was named one of three-joint winners of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize alongside Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman.

When Khama visited Liberia in August last year, he was reported as having said that Botswana would cooperate with Liberia in the mining sector. Like Botswana Liberia is endowed with natural resources such as diamonds, timber and oil. 

The Liberian Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy has been to Botswana to observe the  diamond sector, according to the Liberian official government website. This afternoon, Sirleaf is also expected to visit the Otse Police College, after a state luncheon hosted by the President.  In Otse, she will meet with the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Ramadeluka Seretse.

Tomorrow the Liberian president is expected to visit Princess Marina Hospital, where she will be given a guided tour of the hospital. While in the country, Sirleaf will also visit Jwaneng Mine and Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology. After her official state visit, she will join other Heads of State who will be in Botswana for the Summit of Sustainability in Africa, according to information from Maleta Mogwe, press secretary to the President.