[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 7 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Page 255]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Lunch Hosted by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia 
in Monrovia

February 21, 2008

    Madam President, I want to make sure I've got the following 
correctly: Here they call you the ``Iron Lady,'' and here they call you 
``Ma.'' And I call you friend.

    We are honored to be here. Laura and I are thrilled to be here with 
our delegation to end what has been a very productive trip to the 
continent of Africa. I can't think of a better place to finish than in--
with our dear friend, Liberia.

    It is easy to destroy a country; it is hard to rebuild a country. 
And I--Madam President, I want you to know that the United States of 
America supports you as you rebuild your country. We share a special 
history with Liberia. It's a history that is deep, and I want the people 
of your beautiful country to know that our help is just beginning.

    And so, Madam President, I propose a toast to you and the strength 
of your leadership and the quality of your character and to the good 
people of Liberia. May God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 12:54 p.m. in the Executive Mansion. The 
transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included 
the remarks of President Johnson Sirleaf.