Washington - Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said her country was on track to become a strong and democratic economy after more than a decade of civil war, and welcomed US help after a meeting with President George W Bush.

Bush, who travelled to Liberia earlier this year, said the African nation still needed help from both the US and other countries, as it rebuilds its institutions following the ouster of long-time leader Charles Taylor in 2003.

"No question Liberia has gone through very difficult times. But no question there's a bright future for Liberia," Bush said after a meeting of the two leaders at the White House.

Johnson-Sirleaf, a US-educated economist elected president in 2005, welcomed US help that she said has been key to the country's development over the past few years.

"With the continued support of the American people and the continued support of the American administration and Congress ... we feel that Liberia can become a post-conflict success story," Johnson Sirleaf said.

Liberia was founded in 1820 by slaves freed from the United States who returned to the African continent. (dpa)