Saturday, July 11, 2026
Ankara, Republic of Türkiye: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., returns to Liberia today, Saturday, July 11, 2026, following a successful working visit to the Republic of Türkiye that advanced bilateral relations and expanded cooperation in key areas including infrastructure, investment, education, healthcare, aviation, and human capacity development.
During the visit, President Boakai held high-level bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, focusing on opportunities to strengthen the longstanding friendship between Liberia and Türkiye and promote partnerships aligned with Liberia’s national development priorities.
The discussions highlighted Liberia’s appreciation for Türkiye’s friendship and support, as well as key areas of cooperation, including the establishment of a Turkish Embassy in Monrovia and a Liberian Embassy or Consulate General in Türkiye; the commencement of direct Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Monrovia; and a potential partnership to modernize and manage Roberts International Airport.
President Boakai and President Erdoğan also discussed expanding Turkish investment in Liberia’s agriculture, energy, roads, housing, manufacturing, mining, and tourism sectors, while exploring increased cooperation in education, healthcare, and defense.
The President further welcomed opportunities for collaboration with the Maarif Foundation to support improvements in Liberia’s education system, enhance the quality of learning, and strengthen career development opportunities for young Liberians.
The two leaders also discussed visa facilitation for Liberian passport holders, particularly those holding valid United States or Schengen visas, as part of efforts to promote easier travel and stronger people-to-people exchanges between Liberia and Türkiye.
As part of his engagements in Türkiye, President Boakai met with the President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), Mr. Abdullah Eren, to discuss development cooperation between Liberia and Türkiye. Their discussions focused on priority development projects, including the proposed 12th Street–Somalia Drive (Erdoğan Connector Road), as well as opportunities for collaboration in education, capacity building, and other areas that support Liberia’s development objectives.
President Boakai also met with members of the Liberian Students Association in Türkiye (LIST), led by its President, Mr. Abraham G. Suah, and joined by the Liberian Student Representative in Istanbul, Mr. Abdurahim Sheik Diallo.
During the engagement, the students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the President and raised concerns affecting Liberian students pursuing higher education in Türkiye. Key issues presented included the establishment of a Liberian diplomatic mission in Türkiye to provide passport renewals, documentation, and other consular services; the creation of a structured communication platform between the Government and Liberian students; and the importance of recognized student representation to facilitate engagement.
President Boakai thanked the students for their commitment to their education and for representing Liberia positively abroad. He encouraged them to remain focused on their studies and assured them that the concerns presented would receive the appropriate attention, particularly those aimed at improving government engagement and access to services for Liberians residing in Türkiye.
The President’s working visit to Türkiye forms part of his Administration’s broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s international partnerships, attract investment, and advance cooperation that delivers meaningful opportunities for the Liberian people.
President Boakai and members of his delegation are expected to arrive in Liberia later this afternoon.
