The President of the Republic Of Liberia, Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has congratulated the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Austria on the occasion commemorating the National Day of that country.

In her Message to Dr. Heinz Fischer, President of the Federal Republic of Austria, President Johnson Sirleaf, in her own name and on behalf of Liberia, extended best wishes to the Government and People of Austria on the celebration of this historic event.

President Johnson Sirleaf recalled that Liberia and Austria have benefitted from cordial ties dating far back to the 19^th century; noting, to date the perspectives of both countries continue to converge on international matters, including human rights, peace and security.

The Liberian leader further expressed optimism that through mutual efforts Liberia and Austria can endeavor to increase their cooperation and further strengthen the already friendly ties subsisting between the two countries.

The Liberian leader said receiving the Austrian Ambassador, Her Excellency Caroline Gudenus in Liberia in June this year, for the presentation of her Letters of Credence, was a further stride aimed at highlighting their cordial relations.

A Foreign Ministry release says the Federal Republic of Austria will observe its National Day on October 26, 2012.  Austria’s National Day is the Day a Constitutional Law of perpetual Austrian neutrality was enacted.

President Sirleaf further assured President Heinz Fischer of Liberia’s support in working with Austria for the attainment of global peace and prosperity for the good of all mankind.