On the occasions marking separate observances of the National Days of the Republic of Portugal and the Federal Republic of Russia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation subsisting between Liberia and the Republic of Portugal will continue to grow stronger to the mutual benefits of the two countries.

For the Russian Federation, the President expressed optimism that Liberia and the Russian Federation will work together with the aim to increase areas of bilateral and economic cooperation to the mutual benefits of the two countries and Peoples.

President Johnson Sirleaf’s statements were contained in separate congratulatory messages to the Governments and Peoples of Portugal and the Russian Federation on the observance of their National Days.

Portugal’s National Day is celebrated the 10th of June while that of the Russian Federation falls on the 12th of June.

In the message to President Anibal Cavaco Silva of Portugal over the weekend, Madam Johnson Sirleaf extended heartfelt congratulations to the Portuguese Leader, and through him, to the Government and People of Portugal on behalf of the Liberian Government as that country commemorates its National Day.

President Sirleaf further recalled the cordial ties of friendship between the two nations, which she said is dated as far back as to the 13th Century, hoping that as Liberians join the People of Portugal in celebrating this historic occasion, the two countries will work together for the achievement of global peace and economic growth. The Liberian Leader then wished and prayed that the People of Portugal will enjoy peace and happiness under the dynamic leadership of President Cavaco Silva.

In her message to His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, President Johnson Sirleaf extended heartfelt congratulations to the Government and People of Russian on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia.


The Liberian Leader further entertained the hope that as Liberians join the People of Russia in celebrating this auspicious occasion, the relations between the two nations will continue to expand as both  leaders work for the attainment of social justice, respect for the human dignity and good governance.

President Johnson Sirleaf then wished and prayed for the People of Russian God’s blessings of peace, unity and prosperity as well as for the personal well-being of President Putin.