Interview: Liberian president seeks win-win result from ties with China

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Tuesday spoke highly of the friendly relationship between Liberia and China and hoped the development of bilateral ties would result in a win-win situation.

In an interview with Chinese media before Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Liberia, Sirleaf said that Liberia cherishes its friendship with China and that China's long-term support has benefited many African countries, including Liberia.

She added that Liberia can learn from the way China maps out policies and adopts measures to boost economic development.

Sirleaf said China also supports Liberia in international peace-keeping and in infrastructure construction. "Liberians will never forget the friendship of Chinese peace-keeping soldiers, "she said.

Sirleaf said her country's relations with China are mutually beneficial and hoped that President Hu's visit would bring good opportunities to Liberia.

"We do not want just to be one side, we want to give," she said.

Meanwhile, Sirleaf welcomed investors to start business in her country, saying that the government would solve problems in judicial system, build up incentive system and repair infrastructure to attract investment.

Chinese President Hu's coming up visit sends the world a signal that China sees Liberia as a country with potential, a country that is moving in a right direction, she said.

Hu is scheduled to pay a visit to Liberia on Thursday, a first state visit by China's head of state since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Source: Xinhua