Egyptian Ambassador Pledges Strengthened Ties Between Egypt and Liberia

Monrovia – Egyptian Ambassador to Liberia, Ahmed Abd El Azeem, has pledged the Arab Republic of Egypt’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the bonds between Egypt and Liberia, bridging divides, facilitating dialogue, and maximizing mutual benefits.

Celebrated on July 23 each year, Egypt’s National Day, also known as Revolution Day, commemorates the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, which led to the establishment of the modern republic of Egypt and ended the period of the Kingdom of Egypt.

The 72nd Anniversary of the July 1952 Revolution, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2024, at the Mamba Point Hotel in Monrovia, brought together several dignitaries locally and internationally, including officials of the Egyptian Embassy in Monrovia and the Liberian government, represented by the Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gabriel Salee.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Liberia, Ahmed Abd El Azeem, stated that the Arab Republic is committed to supporting Liberia across all endeavors that promote peace and prosperity for its people. “It is with profound gratitude that I express my sincere appreciation to you and the government of Liberia for joining us in commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the July 23rd Revolution of Egypt. Together, we can forge a stronger collaboration that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity for our nations and the African continent,” he noted.

He added that Egypt has consistently provided technical assistance to Liberia across various sectors through relevant Egyptian institutions. “In this regard, the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) annually offers over 50 fully funded training courses in Cairo, encompassing a wide array of governmental sectors,” Ambassador Azeem said.

The foreign diplomat indicated that Egypt has trained hundreds of Liberian professionals in fields such as medicine, agriculture, commerce, media, fisheries, climate change adaptation, renewable energy, electricity, border control, counter-terrorism, military observation, peacekeeping, transnational crime investigation, anti-corruption, organized crime, and education. These courses are executed in cooperation with the Egyptian Armed Forces Training Authority, Egyptian Police, Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, and the Egyptian Centre for Peacekeeping.

He also highlighted that the Egyptian International Agriculture Center and the Egyptian Supreme Media Council provide fully covered courses for African cadres in different aspects of agriculture and media, respectively.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Liberia recalled that Egypt established its diplomatic mission in Liberia in 1957, marking this year as the 67th anniversary of robust diplomatic relations between the two countries. “In support of Liberia’s stability and prosperity, Egypt actively participated in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),” he stated.

Reflecting on the significance of National Day, Ambassador Azeem said the month of July stands as a poignant symbol of liberty and independence. “Today, we celebrate the July 23rd Revolution, a transformative event when the Egyptian people fervently pursued their quest for freedom. In a few days, we will also honor Liberia’s Independence Day, marking the birth of Africa’s first independent republic in 1847 – a monumental occasion 177 years ago,” he added.

Since the 1952 revolution, the diplomat noted that Egypt has been a steadfast champion of African aspirations, diligently fostering solidarity and unity across the continent. He stressed the importance of such commitment in establishing the Organization of African Unity in 1963. Egypt continues to play a crucial role in promoting peace and security in Africa, with over 2,800 military and police personnel currently deployed in U.N. missions.

“Distinguished Guests, the relationship between Egypt and Liberia is built upon a rich history of friendship and cooperation, founded on shared values and mutual interests,” Ambassador Azeem asserted.

He further commended Liberia for its successful and seamless democratic transitions over nearly two decades. “This has set a commendable example as a regional leader in peaceful power transitions,” Ambassador Azeem noted, and termed Liberia’s transformation from conflict to a leading nation in peacekeeping missions as truly admirable.