Rome, Italy – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his commitment to reposition Liberia in Europe in alignment with the wishes and aspirations of its people, emphasizing the importance of a skilled and educated workforce to drive national development.
The Liberian leader made his intention known on Thursday during an interactive meeting with the Liberian community in Rome, Italy.
President Boakai extolled the sacrifices many Liberians are making in pursuit of higher education abroad.
Mr. Boakai highlighted that his Administration will create an enabling environment necessary to encourage these citizens to return home and contribute their skills and knowledge to nation-building efforts.
According to him, the role of the Government is to keep a watchful eye on the Liberians wherever they are.
“The Government’s role is to keep a watchful eye on Liberians wherever they are. We are proud of the sacrifices you are making in furthering your education, and we are committed to ensuring that Liberia becomes a place you want to return to, to help move our country forward,” President Boakai asserted.
With approximately 5,000 Liberians residing in Italy, many of whom are students, the Liberian community expressed a strong desire to return to Liberia upon completing their studies.
The Liberian students studding in Italy shared with President Boakai their optimism for the creation of an enabling environment for their return.
In response, President Boakai affirmed that under his leadership, the Government will work tirelessly to create an atmosphere that is attractive not only to Liberians abroad but also to foreign nationals, noting that countries are more likely to approve visas when they are confident that students will return home after their studies.
During the meeting, the President of the Liberian Community in Italy, Madam Fatu Tunkarah, expressed her community’s eagerness to contribute to Liberia’s development.
She also highlighted the challenges many Liberians face in regularizing their immigration statuses in Italy.
In addressing this concern, President Boakai announced that his Administration will soon appoint an Ambassador to Italy in order to continue Liberia’s robust efforts in building stronger relations and partnership within the European Community.
He also underscored the strategic importance of having a diplomatic presence in Rome, given that the City hosts the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other critical international institutions.
“I am committed to ensuring that Liberia has a diplomatic mission here in Rome, and we hope to appoint an Ambassador soon to oversee our affairs and to assist you with the challenges you face,” the President assured the community.
The President urged the Liberian community to continue working with the Liberian Embassy to resolve their immigration issues and to maintain their dedication to contributing to Liberia’s future.
