Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, with a renewed call for stronger international collaboration to address emerging challenges in global shipping and protect seafarers.
The Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., made the commitment while speaking at the 6th North Bund Forum in Shanghai, China, where he highlighted the longstanding diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.
Commissioner Lighe described China as a trusted partner of Liberia, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation in maritime transport, shipping security, environmental protection, and capacity-building.
He expressed appreciation to China’s Ministry of Transport and the Shanghai Municipal Government for their continued engagement with Liberia and for providing a platform for international dialogue on emerging developments in global shipping and aviation.
The Liberian maritime chief identified the Liberia–China Maritime Transport Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control cooperation as key instruments underpinning maritime relations between the two countries.
“China remains a true and trusted partner of Liberia,” Lighe said, noting that cooperation between the two nations continues to advance their shared interests and support international trade.
He stressed that bilateral partnerships must complement multilateral institutions in addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing the global maritime industry.
According to him, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) remains the principal international framework for collective action on vessel safety, marine pollution prevention, seafarer training, maritime security, and decarbonization.
Lighe also highlighted ongoing cooperation between Liberia and China within the IMO and other international platforms, particularly in Port State Control inspections, capacity-building, and the recognition of seafarers’ certificates and licenses.
He further thanked China for its support during the December 2025 IMO Council election, in which both Liberia and China were elected to Category A of the Council.
The LiMA chief said effective multilateral cooperation is essential to ensuring that international maritime rules and standards reflect the interests of all countries, including small and developing states, while promoting inclusion, legitimacy, and shared responsibility.
A major focus of his address was the protection of seafarers, whom he described as the backbone of global trade and the maritime industry.
He called on governments and international partners to uphold maritime laws and conventions and take concrete measures to protect seafarers from violence, piracy, harassment, and other threats to their safety and welfare.
“Protecting seafarers is not merely a maritime obligation; it is a global responsibility that demands our collective commitment and action,” Lighe stated.
He emphasized that safeguarding seafarers requires sustained cooperation among flag states, port states, coastal states, shipowners, and other stakeholders across the international shipping industry.
The Liberia Maritime Authority is responsible for advancing and overseeing Liberia’s maritime interests, including the administration of the Liberian maritime program and the country’s engagement in international maritime affairs.
