(LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of condolenceto the Government and People of Philippines for the death of 72 persons as a result of a fire outbreak that occurred at a Shoes Factory in the capital, Manila.
In the message to President Benigno Aquino of Philippines, President Sirleaf extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia and in her own name, and especially to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives as a result of this disaster.
She noted that as the People of the Philippines mourn the loss of their compatriots, the People of Liberia pray that the Almighty God will grant President Aquino, III and the People of the Philippines, strength, courage and fortitude during this difficult period.
LINA GDJ/PTK
Economy-Japan-Liberia
Japan, Liberia Set 5-year Agenda; Sign US$4.2m Grant
MONROVIA, May 19 (LINA) - Acting Japanese Foreign Minister B. Elias Shoniyin has said under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) arrangement, Liberia and Japan have set the agenda of engagements for five years.
Minister Shoniyin made the statement when Liberia and Japan signed on Monday, May 18, a Non-Project Grant Aid valued at US$4.2 million for economic and social development in Monrovia.
"Beyond that, Japan-Liberia relationship has seen significant intervention in the Liberian society in terms of provisions of different forms of social services, within the context of Liberia's Agenda for Transformation and Vision 2030 national program", stated Minister Shoniyin.
The Japanese official recounted some of the Japan-funded projects in Liberia, including three bridges in Grand Cape Mount, paddy rice project being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Japan-Liberia Maternity Center at John F. Kennedy Hospital.
According to a Foreign Affairs Ministry release, speaking at the signing ceremony, the acting Foreign Minister also noted that Japan has extended not only to Liberia but to the entire African region significant development assistance under the JICA arrangement.
LINA GDJ/PTK