Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire have signed six cooperation agreements aimed at bolstering sectors such as diplomacy, security, trade, youth development, education, transport, and cross-border cooperation.
The significant accord was cemented on May 16, 2024, in Abidjan during the seventh session of the Joint Ivoirian-Liberian Cooperation Commission, a move poised to strengthen the longstanding ties of fraternity, friendship, and cooperation between the two West African nations.
The Ivorian delegation was led by Leon Kacou Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivoirians Abroad, while the Liberian delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
The two delegations engaged in a productive dialogue, addressing bilateral, sub-regional, and international issues of mutual concern.
At the bilateral level, both ministers lauded the robust friendship and cooperation between Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia, reaffirming their shared commitment to further enhance these relations for the benefit of their respective populations.
The heads of delegations emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Mano River Union (MRU) to foster economic integration, an initiative highlighted during the official visit of the Liberian President on March 7.
The delegations pledged to identify new areas of collaboration and develop actions and projects in sectors of common interest. They also encouraged private sector entities from both countries to explore and capitalize on emerging opportunities in each nation.
The two ministers expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in several key areas including Diplomacy and Security, Education and Youth, Infrastructure and Transport, Agriculture and Energy as well as Cross border cooperation
Under Diplomacy and Security, it was agreed that both countries Strengthen diplomatic ties and security cooperation to ensure regional stability.
The Education and Youth Developmen centered fostering educational initiatives, including technical education and vocational training, to empower the youth, while Infrastructure and Transport was about developing infrastructure projects to improve transportation links and facilitate trade.
For the Agriculture and Energy sectors, Liberia and Ivory Coast will Collaborate on agricultural projects and the production and marketing of energy.
Cross-Border Cooperation targets enhancing mechanisms for effective cross-border cooperation to promote regional integration and development.
At the sub-regional level, the heads of delegations expressed deep concern over the recurring terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. They condemned these acts of violence, recognizing their detrimental impact on development efforts and the resulting humanitarian crises.
On the international front, the Ivoirian and Liberian representatives discussed ongoing global crises and urged the United Nations (UN) to take decisive actions to achieve peaceful and lasting resolutions to these conflicts.
The signing of the six cooperation agreements marks a significant milestone in Ivoirian-Liberian relations. The ministers emphasized the need for the effective implementation of the decisions and recommendations made during the seventh session. They also commended the cordial and cooperative atmosphere that characterized the discussions.
The ministers agreed to convene the eighth session of the Ivoirian-Liberian Joint Commission in Liberia, with the date to be determined through diplomatic channels. This future session aims to build on the progress made and further solidify the cooperative framework between the two nations.
During her stay in Cote d’Ivoire, Minister Nyanti had an audience with President Alassane Ouattara, where she conveyed a message of friendship from Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to her and her delegation during their working visit on March 7-8, 2024.
The signing of these agreements symbolizes a renewed commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and addressing common challenges.
The dynamic cooperation between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire sets a precedent for regional integration and development, promising a brighter future for the people of both nations.
