SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, it’s indeed a great pleasure to once again welcome the president of Liberia, a partner and friend to so many here in the United States, to me as well personally. President Sirleaf has demonstrated great commitment and absolute devotion to her country following a very terrible conflict that did so much damage to the people of Liberia. And the United States will continue to work with her and with her government and the Liberian people as they make progress into the future.

So Madam President, again, welcome.

PRESIDENT SIRLEAF: Thank you very much, Secretary Clinton. As we start a new administration in Liberia, I’ve come on behalf of the Liberian people to say how much we appreciate the partnership, the support we’ve received, that has enabled us to make so much progress in these past six years.

As we go forward with this administration, we’d like to see the partnership strengthen. We want to make sure that all the things we’ve done now translate into improving the welfare of our people. That’s our new agenda.

And I’ll be participating in the USAID conference on Frontiers in Development where new innovative and creative things financing under these partnerships will be discussed. I bring with me some members of our legislature so they too can have the opportunity to exchange views and to go back strengthened as they play their role in collaborating with the administration for the good of our people. Thank you so much.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.