Africa-Press – Liberia. Both leaders underscored the importance of translating dialogue into action through technical cooperation and follow-up mechanisms agreed upon during the visit.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has kicked off his state visit to France with a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, focusing on deepening Liberia–France relations, expanding cooperation in critical development sectors, and advancing Liberia’s international profile.
According to an Executive Mansion statement, President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s historic status as Africa’s oldest republic and one of the four original signatories of the United Nations Charter. He noted that Liberia is the only one among these four nations that has never completed a full term on the UN Security Council, making its recent non-permanent seat win both symbolic and strategic.
President Boakai urged President Macron to support Liberia’s nomination as Chair and Co-Chair of four UN sanctions committees when deliberations move to the P5 level. He also emphasized Liberia’s ongoing commitment to inclusive growth, highlighting initiatives that empower women and persons with disabilities.
Both leaders underscored the importance of translating dialogue into action through technical cooperation and follow-up mechanisms agreed upon during the visit. In a gesture of friendship, President Boakai invited President Macron for a state visit to Liberia, an invitation warmly accepted by the French leader. Both governments have tasked their Foreign Ministries with finalizing the modalities and timeline for the visit.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of both countries signed a General Cooperation Agreement, strengthening collaboration across education, agriculture, health, environment, renewable energy, and other sectors. The signing, which took place at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, marks a significant milestone in Liberia–France relations.
Representing Liberia, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti signed the agreement alongside Éléonore Caroit, France’s Minister Delegate responsible for Francophony, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad. The Liberian Foreign Ministry described the agreement as reflecting “both governments’ shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and expanding avenues of partnership aligned with Liberia’s development priorities and France’s strategic engagement in Africa.”
The framework covers education, agriculture, environment, health, youth empowerment, sports development, climate change, renewable energy, forestry, biodiversity, and water and sanitation. It is designed to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for citizens in both nations.
Minister Nyanti expressed Liberia’s “profound appreciation to the Government and people of France for their consistent partnership and longstanding support for Liberia’s post-conflict recovery, capacity building, and development agenda.” She also thanked France for supporting Liberia’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2026–2027, calling it “a reflection of the strong bonds of friendship and trust between our nations.”
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti signed the agreement alongside Éléonore Caroit, France’s Minister Delegate responsible for Francophony, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad.
Minister Caroit reaffirmed France’s “unwavering support for Liberia during its tenure on the UN Security Council” and expressed confidence that Liberia’s leadership will contribute to global peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation. She praised Liberia’s dedication to diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development, noting that these values align with France’s vision for global partnership and shared prosperity.
Both ministers reflected on the deep historical ties between Liberia and France, including early diplomatic relations and cooperation in education, governance, and cultural exchange. They pledged continued collaboration to address global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and sustainable resource management.
The statement concluded that the two delegations “reaffirmed their shared vision for continued strengthening of friendship and cooperation between Liberia and France,” agreeing to hold periodic consultations to monitor the implementation of the new framework and explore emerging areas of mutual interest, particularly in the green economy, cultural diplomacy, and youth empowerment.
The renewed partnership “underscores the resilience and vitality of Franco-Liberian relations” and demonstrates both nations’ determination “to work together in addressing global and regional priorities while enhancing bilateral exchanges that benefit their peoples.” Both ministers hailed the signing as “a historic reaffirmation of solidarity and collaboration,” signaling a new chapter of shared successes and opportunities for sustainable development, peacebuilding, and mutual prosperity.
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