Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay appeared before the Liberian Senate on Friday, November 22, 2024, seeking confirmation as Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the French Republic. If confirmed, he will also hold multiple accreditations to several European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Cyprus, and Monaco, as well as to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). His nomination was made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, for which Dr. Yorlay expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the trust placed in him to represent Liberia’s interests abroad.
In his opening statement to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Dr. Yorlay emphasized his readiness to take on the significant responsibilities of the role. He began by expressing profound appreciation to President Boakai, whom he described as Liberia’s chief foreign policy architect. According to him, this nomination is a personal honor and a testament to the President’s confidence in his abilities to advance Liberia’s diplomatic and development priorities. He highlighted his commitment to leveraging his extensive academic background and international experience to represent Liberia effectively on the global stage.
Dr. Yorlay noted that the role of an ambassador in today’s global landscape extends beyond mere representation to foster economic, social, and political partnerships that benefit the home country. He emphasized that, if confirmed, his mission would be to amplify Liberia’s voice, ensure its interests are well represented, and strengthen its global partnerships, particularly with the French Republic, a key player in international diplomacy. Dr. Yorlay stressed the importance of engaging with France and other countries under his accreditation to secure Liberia’s share of global development initiatives.
He drew attention to his academic qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specializing in Public Administration, a Master’s degree in International Relations, and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He underscored how this educational foundation has equipped him with a nuanced understanding of international relations, the behavior of state and non-state actors, and the dynamics of the global interstate system. Dr. Yorlay emphasized that this academic grounding, combined with his practical experience, makes him highly suited for the ambassador role.
Dr. Yorlay also elaborated on his professional experience, particularly his tenure with the United Nations. From June 2021 to October 2024, he served in roles focused on maintaining international peace and security. He worked closely with the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, and the Executive Office of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. His responsibilities included monitoring and analyzing political developments in the Central Sahel Region, supporting early warning mechanisms, and facilitating conflict prevention efforts. Additionally, Dr. Yorlay worked with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), focusing on stabilization, social cohesion, and civilian protection initiatives.
This extensive experience, he argued, has provided him with a practical understanding of diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and global geopolitics. Dr. Yorlay pledged to use this expertise to foster stronger ties with France and other countries to which he would be accredited. He also committed to ensuring Liberia remains active in discussions on global peace, development, and cooperation.
Dr. Yorlay outlined specific goals he intends to pursue if confirmed, including maximizing opportunities for Liberia through France’s increasing Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa. He noted that France plans to raise its ODA to 0.7% of its Gross National Income by 2025, focusing on sustainable growth, climate change mitigation, healthcare improvements, gender equality, and infrastructure development. He pledged to explore innovative ways to ensure Liberia benefits from this increased funding.
He also emphasized the role of commercial diplomacy, highlighting the potential to attract French and European investments to Liberia. Dr. Yorlay stated that his strategy would involve showcasing Liberia’s business climate, investment opportunities, and market conditions to French and European companies. He pointed to the recent renewal of Liberia’s agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) and a €1.2 million grant already funded educational initiatives for Liberian students as an example of fruitful collaboration. He committed to seeking more such partnerships to accelerate Liberia’s development agenda.
Dr. Yorlay assured the Senate that he is fully aware of an ambassador’s legal and procedural responsibilities. He stressed his commitment to adhering to Liberia’s foreign policy directives, implementing decisions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and ensuring that all actions align with the state’s interests. He emphasized his focus on teamwork, integrity, and excellence, promising to lead the Paris Mission with purpose and a results-driven approach.
He also acknowledged the importance of UNESCO in advancing Liberia’s educational, cultural, and scientific priorities. Dr. Yorlay pledged to advocate for increased investments in teacher training, youth empowerment, gender equality, and tourism development. He highlighted Liberia’s current membership on UNESCO’s Executive Board and promised to use this platform to amplify Liberia’s voice in multilateral forums.
In conclusion, Dr. Yorlay reiterated his commitment to serving Liberia with integrity and dedication. He emphasized that his extensive education, professional experience, and international exposure uniquely position him to represent Liberia’s interests in France and beyond effectively. He urged the Senate to approve his nomination, assuring them his readiness to contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s foreign policy objectives.
Dr. Yorlay’s presentation was well-received by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, with members praising his qualifications and vision for the role. His confirmation would mark a significant step in strengthening Liberia’s diplomatic presence in Europe and advancing the nation’s development priorities on the global stage.
