FINLAND

Colloquium Participants Converge in Monrovia
Friday, 6th March 2009

President Johnson Sirleaf welcomes President Tarja Halonen of Finland to Liberia, ahead of the International Women's Colloquium.
Photo Credit: James Garresen/Executive Mansion

Monrovia, Liberia - Finnish President Tarja Halonen has arrived in Liberia at the start of a one-day state visit. The visit is at the invitation of her host, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Hundreds of Liberians thronged the Roberts International Airport (RIA) to warmly welcome the Finnish leader, including Vice President Joseph Boakai, Cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corps. The Finnish leader, along with President Johnson Sirleaf, inspected a guard of honor mounted by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The Chairman and members of the National Traditional Council of Liberia were also present to give President Halonen a warm traditional welcome, which included a presentation of kola nuts as well as traditional dance performances.

President Halonen, who is also scheduled to serve as co-convener of a two-day International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment to be held in Monrovia, was welcomed by a host of women’s groups including the Maryland County women’s organization, and the National Girls Guides Organization, among others.