U.S remains committed to Liberia’s rebuilding efforts

United States Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts has reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to helping Liberia consolidate its democratic gains and rebuild its infrastructure and health care system.

Senator Markey spoke in Monrovia last Friday at the end of a three-day visit to Liberia by a United States Congressional Delegation. In addition to Senator Markey, the delegation included Representatives Karen Bass of California and Carolyn Maloney of New York.

They held discussions with President Sirleaf and Liberian government officials on a range of issues, including U.S. bilateral development assistance to Liberia and security cooperation between the two countries.

A highlight of the visit was the delegation’s participation in activities marking the successful conclusion of Operation Onward Liberty a six-year U.S. Government mentoring and advising program to help Liberia build a professional military.

Members of the delegation also had a first-hand look at a number of other U.S. assistance programs, including a joint U.S. Liberia Clinical Research Partnership program that is focused on the prevention and treatment of the Ebola Virus Disease, which recently ravaged Liberia.

In addition to Liberia, the delegation is making stops in Cape Verde, Senegal, and Nigeria to assess United States diplomatic, defense and development activities in the West African Sub-Region.