President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received the Letters of Credence of the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Liberia, His Excellency Ralph Timmermann.

Presenting his credentials at a ceremony in the Office of the President, Ambassador Timmermann thanked President Sirleaf for receiving him and for still believing in the ties with Germany. He indicated that German-Liberia relations have been long-lasting and historical, and must be built upon for the good of both countries and peoples.

According to an Executive Mansion release, Ambassador Timmermann believes it is time to encourage direct German investment and investors to Liberia, to contribute to the country’s economic growth that would help create the much needed jobs for Liberians.

He acknowledged that the leadership of President Sirleaf has created the enabling environment that investors look for, and pledged Germany’s support to the ongoing reform of the security sector amidst the drawdown of UNMIL troops.

“We will help to consolidate and sustain Liberia’s peace and security as you provide sound leadership for your people,” the new German Ambassador said, adding, “Liberia’s success can be attributed to your able and efficient leadership which the world has also benefited from through your role on the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda.”

Responding, President Sirleaf recognized that Liberia-German relations have had a long relationship that dates as far back as the signing of a Treaty of Cooperation between the two countries in 1855.

She also reminded Ambassador Timmermann that Germany was one of the first global Powers to have recognized Liberia’s independence. “Your involvement with the Bong Mining Company, which provided hundreds of jobs for our people before the civil war; the prompt reopening of your Embassy immediately after my ascendency; the hosting of Liberia’s first reconstruction meeting in Berlin; the support to Liberia’s debt waver initiative; direct support to the country’s Reconstruction Trust Fund, etc. are clear examples of the solid nature of Germany’s friendship with Liberia,” President Sirleaf highlighted.

The Liberian leader also acknowledged Germany’s support to the ongoing Mount Coffee Hydro Project, the Agenda for Transformation, and the West African Power Pool, which will benefit rural towns and villages in Liberia, as critical contributions to the country’s reconstruction and remaking processes.

The President outlined some of the key challenges still faced by the country, including youth unemployment, limited and broken infrastructure, and limited capacity in all sectors as key imperatives that must be urgently addressed.

The Liberian leader assured Ambassador Timmermann that a trade and investment delegation from Germany is welcome to assess investment possibilities and assist the government’s efforts of strengthening the economy and creating jobs for the citizenry, particularly the youthful population.

“I look forward to increased German interests and activities in Liberiaduring your tenure, and trust that you will ably represent your country and people,” the Liberian President stressed.

In brief remarks earlier, Foreign Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan noted that the timing of the deployment of a new Ambassador German to Liberia, not long after the departure of his predecessor, reflects the strength of the relations that exists between the two countries. He pledged his support to the work of the new Ambassador.