President Joseph Boakai has returned to Liberia following a series of successful official engagements in Canada and the United States, including an address to the United Nations General Assembly and high-level meetings aimed at securing increased international investment and support for Liberia.
During his visit to Canada, President Boakai attended the Liberia Investment Forum, where he made a passionate call for increased investments in Liberia and met with prominent business leaders. These engagements were geared towards attracting investments to Liberia, particularly in sectors that are critical to boosting job creation and resource mobilization.
The President emphasized that these efforts would provide a significant boost to the private sector, which remains a key driver of Liberia’s economic growth.
In New York, President Boakai addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, highlighting Liberia’s progress as a growing democracy, particularly in the areas of peace and security, economic development, and agricultural investments. He also spoke candidly about the challenges inherited by his administration and the steps being taken to address them.
As part of Liberia’s international diplomatic efforts, President Boakai officially launched Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He expressed confidence in Liberia’s campaign, which has garnered significant support from various international stakeholders.
The Liberian Leader thanked Former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence and members of the Liberian Senate, Members of the House of Representatives and Liberians in the diaspora for their invaluable support and presence during the launch.
Additionally, President Boakai held a productive meeting with United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, where he advocated for enhanced international support for Liberia, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding and reintegration of Liberian returnees.
The President’s delegation also traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, where they were warmly welcomed by the City Mayor Brett Smiley and members of the City Council. The City of Providence honored the Liberian Leader with a proclamation and the hoisting of the Liberian flag at City Hall.
While in Providence, the President met with members of the Liberian community and joined them in honoring U.S. Senator Jack Reed and congressional leaders who have championed the cause of Liberians living in the United States.
President Boakai climaxed his Rhode Island visit with a one-on-one discussion with Senator Reed, seeking further U.S. support for Liberia, particularly in the areas of security and human capacity development.
President Boakai’s visit underscores Liberia’s on-going commitment to fostering international partnerships, attracting investment, and enhancing its standing on the global stage.