'True champion for women in Africa' – Liberia's Sirleaf praised by Canadian PM

Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has earned the praise of Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who is on a one-day official visit to the west African country. It is his first visit to the continent since he was sworn in last year.

Trudeau was received on arrival at the Roberts International Airport in the capital, Monrovia on Thursday morning by Johnson Sirleaf and other top government officials.

He described his host as a ‘true champion for women in Africa,’ after a meeting on bilateral issues. He also underscored that there was the need for ‘men and women to work together to achieve gender equality.’‘

As part of his itinerary, the Canadian PM visited a ‘Right to Play’ facility, the Slipway Elementary School where he interacted with and played football with some kids.

Great day in Monrovia w JustinTrudeau and vankayak RightToPlayCAN RightToPlayIntl pic.twitter.com/mVpzfaQMpb

— Adam Scotti (@AdamScotti) November 24, 2016

He will meet the Mayor of Monrovia, Clara Doe Mvogo, at the City Hall, and also join a round table discussion on Women’s leadership. His last engagement will be a State Dinner given by President Sirleaf.

He will fly to Madagascar where he is supposed to join a summit of the International Organization of the Francophone (nations) (OIF): the group comprises of 80 States and Governments.

Leaving tonight on our first official visit to Africa – first to Liberia, and then to Madagascar for the XVI OIFfrancophonie summit.

— Justin Trudeau (JustinTrudeau) November 23, 2016