— Minister Nyei Highlights Strength of China-Liberia Relations
The Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration at Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Bakri Nyei, has emphasized that Liberia is maximizing every available opportunity to advance national development through its partnership with the People’s Republic of China. He described the China-Liberia relationship under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as strong, strategic, and mutually beneficial.
Speaking during an exclusive interview in Hunan Province, China, at the Ministerial Meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Implementation Actions, Dr. Nyei said the relationship between the two countries has grown in both strength and substance over the years, with new milestones achieved under President Boakai’s leadership.
“President Boakai has forged very strong ties with China. We are taking advantage of every opportunity to leverage our partnership in ways that bring tangible development to Liberia. We are using platforms like FOCAC not only to strengthen bilateral relations with China but also to connect with other African nations on collective growth strategies.”
He noted that since President Boakai assumed office, Liberia has seen significant benefits from its engagement with China, including the expansion of state radio infrastructure, the construction of an overpass bridge, and various healthcare interventions. These, he said, are just early signs of the broader impact the partnership is expected to have.
Dr. Nyei further revealed that Liberia is collaborating with various government agencies and institutions to attract more support from Chinese counterparts. The focus, he emphasized, is on critical development sectors such as infrastructure—particularly roads, bridges, and the energy sector.
As part of their ongoing diplomatic mission in China, the Liberian delegation is engaging in bilateral meetings with Chinese diplomats and business leaders to attract investments to Liberia. Dr. Nyei explained that these engagements will continue even after the visit, with follow-up actions coordinated through the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia to ensure concrete results.
Highlighting Liberia’s participation in the 2024 FOCAC Summit and the implementation of the Ten-Point Action Plan announced in Beijing, Dr. Nyei said Liberia is actively tailoring the plan to its national development needs.
“There was an announcement of RMB 200 million in aid to Liberia, which will be directed toward infrastructure development, capacity-building, and youth training. We’re also benefiting from cultural exchanges and scholarships for young Liberians, which deepen people-to-people diplomacy and understanding,” he explained.
According to Dr. Nyei, the cooperation has gone beyond traditional diplomacy, encompassing areas like tourism, youth empowerment, healthcare, and professional development. He emphasized that Chinese professionals are also working in Liberia, contributing to the country’s growth through mutual exchange programs.
“We are grateful for this partnership. It aligns with and is helping to accelerate the implementation of the ARREST Agenda—a national framework for transformation under President Boakai’s leadership,” he added.
Dr. Nyei concluded that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation remains a strategic diplomatic vehicle for modernization and development across the continent. While multilateral commitments have been made, he said the implementation of bilateral programs has already begun to bear fruit in Liberia, showing real signs of progress and a bright future for China-Liberia cooperation.
