Meeting With President William R. Tolbert, Jr., of Liberia White House Statement.

President Carter met this morning for an hour in the Cabinet Room with President William R. Tolbert, Jr., of Liberia. They had a warm and comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues.

President Carter expressed the importance of the United States special relationship with Liberia and our desire to enhance and promote it. The two Presidents agreed to consider the visit of a group of distinguished Americans to Liberia in the near future. The group will work towards strengthening U.S. ties with Liberia and focus on economic and development cooperation in the public and private sectors.

The two Presidents had an extensive discussion of President Tolbert's role as Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the OAU meeting last July. President Carter complimented President Tolbert on his leadership as head of the OAU and praised President Tolbert's efforts to resolve outstanding problems in the region. Those attending the meeting were:

U.S. Side

The President

Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher

David Aaron, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs

Richard Moose, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Ambassador Robert Smith, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia

Parker Borg, Director of West African Affairs, Department of State

Jerry Funk, National Security Council staff member

Liberian Side

President William R. Tolbert, Jr.

Foreign Minister Cecil Dennis

Ambassador Francis Dennis, Liberian Ambassador to the United States

J. Bernard Blamo, Minister of Education

D. Franklin Neal, Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs

William Bull, Counselor, Embassy of Liberia