The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, recently participated in a one-day working session in Brussels, engaging in high-level discussions with top officials from the European Union (EU).
During the session, Foreign Minister Nyanti met with several key EU figures, including Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships; Olof Skoog, EU Permanent Representative for Human Rights; Simon Mordue, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Global Issues; Director-General C. Vitcheva of the Directorate for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs; and representatives from 27 EU member states in an informal meeting of the EU Peace and Security Council.
The discussions focused on strengthening Liberia-EU relations through Liberia’s “ARREST AGENDA”, advancing Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, and enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation to foster economic development.
During the meeting, Commissioner Urpilainen announced a €108 million package for Liberia, supporting key areas such as direct budgetary aid, gender-based violence prevention, and public-private partnerships, among others. She commended the Liberian government for its contributions to human rights, rule of law, and peace initiatives, particularly Liberia’s leadership within the Mano River Union (MRU) to promote regional security.
Foreign Minister Nyanti, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and the people of Liberia, expressed profound gratitude for the EU’s continued partnership. She also extended congratulations to Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission.
In her remarks, the Dean of the Cabinet highlighted the long-standing partnership between Liberia and the EU, dating back to the signing of the ACP-EU agreement in the 1970s. She underscored the Liberian government’s current priorities under President Boakai’s “ARREST AGENDA”, launched on March 21, 2024, and emphasized the importance of shared values and collaboration in areas such as climate diplomacy and Liberia’s bid for the UN Security Council seat.
Foreign Minister Nyanti also provided updates on regional developments, particularly the strengthening of the Mano River Union for collective security, and called on EU member states for continued support. EU leaders praised Liberia’s efforts in promoting regional peace and security, congratulating Foreign Minister Nyanti for the bold steps taken.
The European Union continues to support Liberia’s development through two major financial frameworks: The Global Gateway and the Multiannual Indicative Program, which target critical sectors such as infrastructure, rule of law, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), maritime security, fishery, democratic governance, transparent elections, and women’s rights.