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Washington (dpa) - US President George W. Bush on Tuesday praised Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female head of state, as a pioneer.
Johnson-Sirleaf made her first visit to the White House since she was sworn into office in January, marking an end to years of civil war in the West African country.
"I find that one of the interesting parts of my job is to be able to talk to pioneers," Bush said. "And, madam president, you're a pioneer."
Bush said the two leaders discussed ways the United States can help Liberia regain its feet and build a strong democracy.
Johnson-Sirleaf thanked Bush for the role Washington played in ending the conflict that ravaged Liberia and said her country has taken the first steps toward "restoring dignity to our people."
"We're confident that the Liberian people are ready to do what it takes. They're back at work," she said. "Our country is open for business."
Johnson-Sirleaf, a Harvard-trained economist, pledged work for stability in the region.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
