Africa-Press – Liberia. The agreement came after a closed-door meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Liberia is poised to receive high-level technical and financial support from the Republic of Türkey for the revitalization of Roberts International Airport (RIA), following a direct appeal from Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The agreement came after a closed-door meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where Minister Nyanti made a compelling case for government-to-government (G2G) cooperation to upgrade Liberia’s principal international gateway, indicating a diplomatic breakthrough.
According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Erdoğan responded swiftly and positively, instructing Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, to take immediate action on Liberia’s proposal.
Within hours, Minister Uraloğlu confirmed that a high-level Turkish delegation would be dispatched to Liberia to assess the airport’s infrastructure and lay the groundwork for potential investment and technical partnership.
This development marks a major stride in Liberia’s push to modernize its aviation sector, which has long suffered from underinvestment, operational bottlenecks, and declining service standards.
RIA, originally built in the 1940s, remains Liberia’s primary air link to the rest of the world, and its revitalization is seen as a critical step in boosting trade, tourism, and economic growth.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Nyanti emphasized the importance of modern aviation infrastructure to Liberia’s development vision under President Joseph Boakai.
“We are not just asking for assistance; we are seeking partnerships that will empower our country and create opportunities for our people,” Minister Nyanti said.
“President Boakai has made it clear that modern infrastructure is key to inclusive growth, and this is one of many steps we are taking to deliver on that promise.”
Türkey’s Role in Liberia’s Economic Turnaround
President Erdoğan’s directive signals Türkey’s growing interest in strategic partnerships across Africa. With Turkish firms increasingly involved in infrastructure projects on the continent, Liberia now joins a list of countries benefiting from Ankara’s outward investment push.
“We see great potential in Liberia,” said Minister Uraloğlu. “Our team will work closely with Liberian authorities to assess the airport’s needs and identify areas where Turkish expertise and investment can make the greatest impact.”
This latest diplomatic win builds on a series of engagements led by Minister Nyanti aimed at forging meaningful development partnerships.
In a related initiative, a Burkinabe delegation, following a recent visit by Minister Nyanti to Burkina Faso, has begun constructing traditional weaving machines for women in Lofa County.
The project is expected to benefit more than 1,000 Liberian women by providing economic opportunities through artisanal craft making.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under Nyanti’s leadership, has adopted a proactive economic diplomacy strategy, targeting sectors that can deliver jobs and transform lives.
The Turkish delegation’s visit to Liberia is expected within weeks and will include on-the-ground assessments, technical consultations, and discussions on financing models.
If successful, the partnership could pave the way for a full-scale modernization of RIA, turning it into a regional hub capable of handling increased passenger and cargo traffic.
For a country eager to attract investment and reestablish itself as a competitive player in the global economy, this collaboration with Türkey could be a game-changer.
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