The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed strengthening the bilateral ties of its continued support to Liberia’s agricultural programs and technologies, as well as provide experts, equipment and facilities.
The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China made the disclosure on Monday, March 22, 2022 when they held a virtual discussion with the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. The virtual meeting was held in the Deputy Speaker’s conference room on the House’s second floor.
The video conference also centered on bracing China-Liberia’s relationship in continuing to provide training opportunities for Liberians and enhancing food production to ensure food security.
The virtual conference was aimed at further deepening exchanges between the two lawmaking bodies, as well as infrastructural development.
The five-man NPC delegation was headed by the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee, His Excellency Wang Chen. Members included the Vice Chairman on the Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Deputy Secretary General of Steering Committee, the Vice Chairman on the Committee of Education, Science, Culture and Health and the Vice Chairman on the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
For the National Legislature, the delegation was headed by Deputy Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, of the 54th Legislature. Other Members include Senator Conmany Wesseh, Acting Chairman on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Chairman on Youth and Sports; Representative Crayton Duncan, House’s Chairman on Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Johnson Gwaikolo, House’s Chairman on Education and Public Administration Committee and Representative Matthew Zarzar, Co-Chairman on the House’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Development Planning.
Speaking on behalf of the NPC, Steering Committee, Vice Chairman Chen said China enjoyed, the solidarity and partnership between the two countries and said President George M. Weah extended solidarity when China was hit by COVID 19.
He then thanked the National Legislature for enacting into law the Government of Liberia (GOL) upholding the One-China Policy.
Chen said when Liberia was also hit by the deadly Ebola Virus, China provided an emergency assistance, including materials, food and cash. He outlined that China fought side-by-side to eradicate Ebola from Liberia, and also fought with Liberia during the COVID 19.
The NPC’s Vice Chairman on the Steering Committee indicated that China appreciates the pro-poor agenda of President George M. Weah-led government, and that the two countries need to strengthen more cooperation on agriculture to contribute to poverty reduction.
Deputy Speaker Koffa, on behalf of the 54th Legislature, said the country acknowledges with great gratitude China’s strive in strengthening relationship with Liberia, and China’s swift response in helping the country during the deadly Ebola viral disease.
The Deputy Speaker expressed sympathy to China, and acknowledged China’s swift action in controlling the COVID 19 epidemic and providing leadership role for the rest of the World, including Liberia.
Cllr. Koffa said Liberia has a lot to learn in agriculture from China, and the National Legislature hopes to follow-up from the NPC in term of agriculture, education and sports.
The Deputy Speaker stated that Liberia has expressed confidence that China will handle its domestic issues with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Tibet, in keeping with international norms.
Chen then invited Speaker Bhofal Chambers, Deputy Speaker Koffa and members of a Special Committee of the 54th Legislature to China.