MONROVIA, Montserrado – President George Weah has praised the United States of America for its continuous support to Liberia’s peace and democracy, as he welcomed a visiting American congressional delegation.

According to the Executive Mansion, Weah made the comments on Wednesday at his Foreign Affairs office on Capitol Hill, where he underscored America’s continued efforts in strengthening the country’s democracy and maintaining its peace.

He said Liberia holds the U.S. in high esteem as a traditional friend and one of the country’s biggest development partner.

“We, Liberians, cherish our historic ties with the United States and are proud of your support,” the release quoted the president as saying.

He assured the delegation of his government’s full commitment to promoting and sustaining democratic tenets and maintaining peace and security.

Several Liberian government officials also attended the welcoming ceremony, including Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, Minister of State Nathaniel McGill, legal advisor to the president Archibald Bernard, security advisor Jefferson Karmo, and economic advisor Charles Bright.

The U.S. Congressional delegation arrived on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to Liberia.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, the congressional delegation is traveling with the House Democracy Partnership, headed by its chairman, Rep. David Price of North Carolina’s fourth district.

The House Democratic Partnership is a 20-member commission of the U.S. House of Representatives that works directly with partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.

The Executive Mansion said Rep. Price thanked the president for the warm welcome accorded them, and said the team was happy to be in Liberia. He said the congressional delegation has been coming to Liberia since 2007 as part of efforts to hold talks with government officials on governance issues.

Price and his team also held discussions with the leadership of the National Legislature on legislative accountability and transparency, as well as their involvement with Liberia during the Ebola plague that left the country completely economically off-guard.

Members of the delegation also include Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma’s second district, Rep. Barbara Lee of California’s 13th district, Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado’s first district, and North Carolina’s 12th district representative, Alma Adams.

Members of the delegation also participated in a community media forum at the YMCA on Wednesday in Monrovia.

Featured photo courtesy of Sekou Kalasco Damaro