Following a recent high-level diplomatic engagement between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Government of the Republic of Türkiye has responded affirmatively to Liberia’s request for a government-to-government (G2G) partnership on the country’s main international gateway, the Roberts International Airport (RIA).
The meeting took place on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, where Foreign Minister Nyanti conveyed to President Erdoğan the keen interest of H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to strengthen and expand the operations of RIA to meet international standards and drive inclusive economic growth. Minister Nyanti underscored the importance of strategic G2G cooperation in revitalizing critical national infrastructure, particularly in the aviation sector.
Responding to the request, President Erdoğan immediately called upon his Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and issued a directive for urgent follow-up on Liberia’s proposal. The Turkish President emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to exploring bilateral cooperation frameworks that support Liberia’s infrastructure agenda through mutually beneficial partnerships.
In a subsequent media interview, Minister Uraloğlu confirmed the substance of the discussion and announced that a high-level Turkish delegation will travel to Liberia in the near future. The delegation will conduct a comprehensive assessment of RIA’s operational capacity and explore avenues for technical and financial collaboration.
This strategic engagement aligns with the broader economic diplomacy agenda being pursued by Foreign Minister Nyanti, who has been proactively engaging governments and international partners to attract foreign direct investment aimed at job creation, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment.
Notably, following Minister Nyanti’s recent diplomatic outreach to His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Head of State of Burkina Faso, a Burkinabe delegation commenced the construction of traditional weaving machines for women in Lofa County. This initiative, inspired by Burkina Faso’s rich artisanal heritage, is expected to economically empower over 1,000 Liberian women.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they remain steadfast in advancing partnerships that yield tangible development outcomes for the Liberian people. Minister Nyanti’s dialogue with Türkiye represents a forward-looking step toward unlocking investment in aviation and transportation infrastructure—key sectors that underpin trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
The upcoming visit by the Turkish delegation marks a promising milestone in Liberia’s journey toward a modernized and globally competitive aviation sector, underpinned by strategic international cooperation.
