President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, congratulated the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Austria on the occasion of that country's 59th National Day.

In her letter to the Federal President of Austria, His Excellency Dr. Heinz Fischer, President Sirleaf noted with satisfaction that Austria has served as a role model of security, stability and global peace for more than half a century, especially through the United Nations.

"It is in this respect we anticipate that your country will continue to remain guarantor of well-being and world peace during these challenging moments of economic down turn", the Liberian Leader remarked in the letter to President Fischer.

Every year on October 26, Austrians celebrate their country's declaration of permanent neutrality after World War II and its regained status as an independent and sovereign nation on October 26, 1955.

President Sirleaf said that in the efforts of both countries' pursuit for a more cordial and meaningful partnership in diverse sectors of the bilateral cooperation between them, she wishes good health and success as well as prosperity and continued happiness for the people of Austria.