President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her able leadership and the promotion of regional integration.

He said the Liberian leader’s contribution is of no surprise as she has over the time demonstrated the country’s commitment in helping ECOWAS achieve its noble objectives and regional integration.

Ambassador Ajisomo made the commendation Thursday when ECOWAS hoisted its flag in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of its establishment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia.

“The hoisting of the ECOWAS flag today is not only important to this regional organization, but also important for Liberia and all member states,” Ambassador Ajisomo pointed out.

He noted that as a mark of significance, the hoisting of the flag was simultaneously taking place in all 15 member countries.

In remarks on behalf of government, Deputy Foreign Minister B. Elias Shoniyin pledged the Liberian Government’s commitment in continuing the good works that will help ECOWAS achieve its goals.

He further assured government’s unwavering commitment in collaborating with partners for the liberation of citizens from the hands of poverty.

The ceremony brought together high level government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the United Nations Mission in Liberia and international partners, among others.

The West African regional body was founded on May 28, 1975 following a call by former Liberian President William Tubman in 1964.

An agreement was signed among Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in February 1965, but this came to nothing until May 28, 1975, when it was formally established in Lagos, Nigeria.

ECOWAS was founded to achieve collective self-sufficiency for member states by means of economic and monetary union creating a single large trading bloc. It was designated as one of the five regional pillars of the African Economic Community (AEC).
LINA BK/JGT/TSS/PTK