MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Government of Canada has agreed to work with the Liberian Government, to take measures aimed at protecting the health and safety of citizens in both countries.

It followed a telephone conversation between President George Weah and Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau on Monday, June 8, 2020.

A statement released by the Canadian Government said both leaders discussed the coronavirus and its impact on the two countries.

President Weah reaffirmed the desire of the Liberian Government to increase diplomatic ties between Liberia and Canada.

According to the release, the two leaders also spoke of the importance of longer-term recovery measures to build economic resilience in Africa.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the effect of COVID-19 on the African Continent and stressed the need for a coordinated approach to strengthen the capacity of Africa to fight the pandemic and meet the needs of those most vulnerable.

The Canadian Prime Minister spoke of a joint initiative launched in partnership with the United Nations and Jamaica to accelerate the global response to the pandemic, and improve access to critical development financing for low and middle-income countries, including Liberia.