Given the current bilateral relations with Liberia, the government of India is expected to send a new Consul General to serve as the resident ambassador for Liberia, and open a new embassy in the country.
The Indian government’s decision follows the tenure expiration of its Honorary Consul General accredited to Liberia, SailasThangal, who served for a two-and-a-half years, succeeded Dr. Upjit Sing Sachdeva (alias Jetty) and, like previous ambassadors, covered Guinea, Ivory Coast and Liberia.
The disclosure was made on June 3, 2021 at a press conference held in a restaurant in Monrovia. Ambassador Thangal now presides over Ivory Coast, where he resides. “Guinea has its own ambassador as well,” he said.
The in-coming Indian ambassador, whose name was not mentioned, is expected in the Liberia any time soon to work with the government, with focus in key areas such as agriculture, education, ICT, health, trade and investment, and others, according to Ambassador Thangal.
The ministers of Foreign Affairs and State for Presidential Affairs, D. Maxwell Kemayah and Nathaniel McGill, respectively, have expressed the country’s willingness to continue cooperation with the Indian community in Liberia and their government for the promotion of the diplomatic ties between both countries, the Out-going Indian Consul General told the press.
Outlining achievements under his leadership, Ambassador Sailas Thangal said the government and people of India contributed US$2 million to building the 14 Military Hospital, jointly consolidated effort to deliver 45 buses along with 3 containers of spare parts for public transportation in Liberia.
He said India also donated 5 trucks, along with a container of spare parts as well, and provided a consignment of life-saving drugs during the peak of COVID-19 in Liberia. Further, he disclosed that India contributed to global fight against COVID-19 through donations to other countries.