As the Republic of Turkey holds three days of national mourning for the loss of lives and damage that followed a mine explosion in the Turkish city of Soma, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a message of condolence to the Government and People of that Nation.

In her message to her Turkish counterpart, President Abdullah Gul, the Liberian Leader, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, remarked that the tragic incident is one of the worst in the history of Turkey and has come at the time when both Liberia and Turkey are forging excellent ties, especially with the visit of the Liberian Foreign Minister who is currently on an official visit in Turkey.

“We are extremely encouraged by the outstanding resilience of the Government and people of Turkey in their swift response to assist the victims and to save the lives of others still entrapped in the coal mine”, President Sirleaf stated.

A Foreign Ministry release says President Sirleaf furthered that the Government and People of Liberia are in prayers with the Government and People of Turkey and their sincere thoughts go out to all those affected by this tragedy; especially to the bereaved families.

“It is my utmost wish that Allah All Mighty will grant you the strength and fortitude to confront this difficult time of national mourning”, President Sirleaf stated.

The death toll in Turkey has risen to 282 as of Thursday, May 15, 2014 while up to 150 miners remain missing in a disaster since the Soma mine disaster.

In another development, President Sirleaf has, on behalf of the Government and People of Liberia, sent a message of congratulations to President Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, on his victory in the recent presidential elections which he won for the second time.

In her message to President Zuma, the Liberian Leader noted that his victory shows the confidence which the People of South Africa have in his ability to lead that great country.

“The South African elections mark a great victory for democracy in your country and Africa. The Government of Liberia looks forward to the continual strengthening of bilateral relations subsisting between our two countries in the spirit of African solidarity”, President Sirleaf says.

The Liberian President then prays that the Almighty God will endow President Zuma with abundant wisdom and strength in leading his People as both Liberia and South Africa work together in furtherance of deeper cooperation at the United Nations and other international forums aimed at promoting international peace and security among all nations.