President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has conveyed a message of congratulations to the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Austria on the 61^st Anniversary of that country’s National Day.

The Austrian National Day is celebrated on October 26 and relates to political developments after WW II. After the end of the War, Austria was occupied by the four Allied forces (Soviet Union, United States, Great Britain, and France). As the last remaining foreign troops left Austrian territory on October 25th, October 26 was de facto the first day on which Austria had regained its status as an independent and sovereign state.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, in her message to His Excellency Mr. Christian Kern, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Austria, President Johnson Sirleaf on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, and in her own name, extended warmest congratulations to the Government and People of Austria, as they commemorate the 61^st Anniversary of the Passage of the Law of Permanent Neutrality.

President Johnson Sirleaf stated that for many years, Austria has continued to serve as a major international diplomatic epicenter which significantly contributes to global peace and security, particularly, through United Nations led peace-keeping missions.

“We are pleased to note the perspectives of our two countries on matters of global concern continue to converge and we remain resolute in our shared pursuit for the continual promotion of world peace and prosperity”, the Liberian leader stated.

She then wished for His Excellency Christian Kern and the people of Austria a joyful celebration.