On Monday, November 25, 2024 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially welcomed three newly accredited ambassadors to Liberia during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion on Capitol Hill in Monrovia. The ambassadors of Sweden, Canada, and Belgium each presented their Letters of Credence, reaffirming their countries’ commitment to strengthening diplomatic and bilateral relations with Liberia.
The Ambassador of Sweden, H.E. Karl Backeus, was the first to present his credentials. In his response, President Boakai expressed gratitude for Sweden’s long-standing support, particularly in education and technical vocational education and training (TVET) in regions such as Foya City, Lofa County. Boakai emphasized the need to expand collaboration in trade, investment, and youth empowerment to deepen the partnership between the two nations further.
Ambassador Backeus reaffirmed Sweden’s dedication to promoting trade and development in Liberia, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries.
Next, H.E. Anthony Blanc, Ambassador of Canada, presented his credentials to President Boakai. The Liberian leader acknowledged the historic relationship between Liberia and Canada, which spans over 140 years, noting Canada’s significant contributions, including the introduction of the YMCA in Liberia. President Boakai urged Canadian businesses to invest in Liberia’s key sectors, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration.
Ambassador Blanc pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and rebuild trade, investment, and educational partnerships to support Liberia’s growth and transformation.
Finally, H.E. Carole Van Eyli, Ambassador of Belgium, presented her Letter of Credence to President Boakai. The President reiterated Liberia’s openness to business and encouraged closer economic ties with Belgium. He emphasized Liberia’s commitment to promoting good neighborliness and collaboration to achieve shared development goals with Belgium.
Ambassador Van Eyli highlighted Belgium’s focus on resilience-building initiatives to support Liberia’s economic growth.
President Boakai reaffirmed his government’s desire to build solid and productive partnerships with all friendly nations. “Liberia has come a long way, and with the help of our international partners, we can build a future where Liberia is counted among the world’s developed nations,” he said.
The presentation of the Letters of Credence marks the beginning of a renewed chapter of cooperation between Liberia and these three nations, focusing on trade, investment, education, and overall development.