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Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf holds talks with President Bush at the White House October 22 to review that country's progress, its future and bilateral relations, which are "as good as they can get," says U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

In an interview with America.gov, Thomas-Greenfield said the Bush administration "has paid a lot of attention to Liberia — to helping Liberia move its agenda forward."

The two leaders are expected to talk about ongoing areas of U.S.-Liberian cooperation, including security-sector reform, combating malaria and improving the quality of education. President Bush, who traveled to Liberia as part of his five-nation Africa tour earlier in 2008, is expected to reinforce his administration's strong commitment to ongoing reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Liberia.

Thomas-Greenfield said Sirleaf is likely to raise the issue of repairing Liberia's major port and likely will seek more help in her effort to rebuild Liberia's police force.

The countries have a strong, cordial relationship built on mutual respect, Thomas-Greenfield said. The U.S. ambassador saluted Liberia for being a democratic country and for electing the first woman president in Africa.

"It's a farewell call for her," as the president prepares to leave office in January, the ambassador said ... >>>