-Sign Major Framework
By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson
The Government of Liberia, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, has formally signed a renewed General Cooperation Framework with the French Government, under the leadership of President Emmanuel Macron. The signing ceremony took place in Paris, marking a significant step toward revitalizing long-standing diplomatic and development relations between Liberia and France.
Representing Liberia, Minister Nyanti, alongside Edinold Shariot, Coordinator of Francophone Countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, appended her signature to the agreement. The renewed cooperation understanding encompasses a broad range of strategic development sectors, including education, agriculture, climate change mitigation, water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and institutional capacity-strengthening initiatives.
According to Minister Nyanti, the updated cooperation framework is designed not only to renew commitments but also to reinforce practical collaboration in sectors critical to Liberia’s sustainable development agenda.
Liberia and France share a diplomatic and historical relationship dating back to the mid-19th century. France was among the early European countries to recognize Liberia as a sovereign republic following its declaration of independence in 1847. Throughout the decades, Liberia and France cooperated in trade, maritime navigation, education exchange, and cultural diplomacy. Liberia hosted one of West Africa’s early French cultural missions, which played a role in enhancing Francophone educational influence among Liberian scholars and diplomats.
Foreign Minister Nyanti disclosed that the signing followed a high-level bilateral discussion between Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The two leaders reportedly discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation, expand private sector investment into Liberia, support agricultural reform efforts, and enhance Liberia’s participation in global climate change initiatives.
The meeting also focused on strengthening Liberia’s institutional governance framework, improving public service delivery, and expanding French-backed educational exchange programs for Liberian students. Both leaders committed to reinforcing Liberia’s integration within the Francophone cooperation framework, particularly through cultural exchange and language educational support.
As part of his four-day official visit to France, President Boakai is expected to hold strategic business discussions with executives of TotalEnergies, ArcelorMittal, and other potential investment partners. These discussions are anticipated to focus on increasing private sector involvement in Liberia’s natural resource development, renewable energy expansion, and public infrastructure modernization.
The President is also scheduled to meet with the Liberian community in France to provide updates on national development priorities and encourage diaspora participation in investment and community projects back home.
The signing of the renewed cooperation framework marks a “new chapter of strategic trust and shared vision” between the two countries, and reflects Liberia’s commitment to strengthening alliances that support national development, institutional reform, and international cooperation.
