–As China-Liberia Ties Deepen with Vocational Education Cooperation
By Jerromie S. Walters
Shanghai, China — The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is set to convene in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, drawing a distinguished roster of international leaders, including Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Koung, to the opening ceremony and associated events.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia, several foreign leaders have accepted invitations to attend the expo. Among them are Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Koung, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Sakova, and Georgian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili.
The CIIE, one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions, serves as a platform for countries to showcase export products and explore trade partnerships with Chinese buyers and international investors. The announcement of Vice President Koung’s participation comes amid deepening bilateral ties between Liberia and China.
On November 2, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu met with Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, Liberia’s Minister of Youth & Sports, to discuss strengthening cooperation in vocational and technical education.
Ambassador Yin stated that China is willing to work with the Ministry of Youth & Sports to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in vocational and technical education, thereby enriching the China-Liberia strategic partnership.
Minister Kruah, in turn, noted that China has provided an important reference for developing countries seeking to advance vocational and technical education reforms. She expressed hope that China would continue to support Liberia’s vocational and technical education sector, contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
The meeting was also attended by Counselor Zhang Yimin from the Chinese Embassy and Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports Laraamand S. Nyonton. The ninth CIIE is expected to attract policymakers, business leaders, and exhibitors from around the world, reinforcing China’s commitment to international trade and multilateral cooperation.
Boakai Welcomes New South African Ambassador
MONROVIA, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening relations with South Africa, highlighting opportunities for greater cooperation in investment, technology transfer and institutional capacity building.
The President spoke on Tuesday at the Executive Mansion when South Africa’s new Ambassador to Liberia, Her Excellency Nocawe Noncedo Mafu, presented her Letters of Credence.
President Boakai noted that Liberia and South Africa have maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in January 1997, while continuing to pursue cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
He described the relationship as grounded in Pan-Africanism, African solidarity, mutual respect and a shared commitment to freedom, equality and self-determination.
The Liberian leader also recalled Liberia’s support for the struggle against apartheid, saying the country takes pride in its solidarity with the South African people in their pursuit of freedom, dignity and democratic governance.
“As my Government advances the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, we look forward to greater engagement with South Africa in promoting investment, technology transfer, institutional capacity building and economic opportunities that will benefit our peoples,” President Boakai said.
In her remarks, Ambassador Mafu expressed appreciation for Liberia’s historic support during the struggle against apartheid. She recalled Liberia’s resort to the International Court of Justice in challenging apartheid policies, describing that solidarity as an enduring part of the relationship between the two countries.
