Monrovia – Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing a joint agenda at the United Nations focused on climate change, natural resources, peace and security.
By J.H. Webster [email protected]
The commitment was underscored during a visit by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who held discussions with Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, before meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion.
Speaking after her meeting with Minister Nyanti, Foreign Minister Wagner described the discussions as productive and encouraging, while emphasizing the need for more frequent high-level engagements between the two countries.
“Our Ambassador here informed me that the last time a Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DRC came to Liberia was at least 30 years ago. I hope it will not take another 30 years. I really look forward to our exchanges and the interactions,” the DRC Foreign Minister said.
For her part, Minister Nyanti highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, particularly around issues relating to natural resources, climate change and conflict prevention.
“We are going to come out with a resolution that both of our Presidents will champion and have a tangible result for Africa as it relates to conflict and natural resources,” Liberia’s Foreign Minister said.
“We are endowed with natural resources so are you. Right now we don’t have conflict, you do but overall this is the issue and together we can champion this and the whole Africa will benefit from this discussion surrounding our natural resources,” she added.
Following their discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both ministers traveled to the Executive Mansion for a meeting with President Boakai.
In a subsequent media engagement, Minister Wagner disclosed that President Boakai encouraged both countries to deepen cooperation on bilateral and multilateral issues, including agriculture, transportation, and collaboration on the United Nations Security Council.
She further indicated that she would convey a positive report of her visit to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, noting the warm reception extended by the Liberian government.
According to Minister Wagner, Liberia’s hospitality made members of her delegation feel at home throughout their stay.
Minister Nyanti also emphasized that Liberia and the DRC have continued to strengthen collaboration on both bilateral and multilateral matters, building on ties established during Liberia’s successful campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
She revealed that the two countries are leading efforts to secure a landmark United Nations resolution addressing the impact of natural resource extraction on climate change, environmental sustainability, and peace and security.
According to Minister Nyanti, the proposed resolution is expected to become a defining legacy initiative of Presidents Joseph Boakai and Félix Tshisekedi.
The Liberian Foreign Minister further disclosed that discussions also focused on expanding economic cooperation, including the possibility of establishing direct air links between Liberia and the DRC, increasing trade, and strengthening partnerships in agriculture, mining, and healthcare.
She noted that both governments are committed to transforming longstanding diplomatic relations into practical economic and development partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to citizens in both countries.
Addressing public concerns regarding health protocols, Minister Nyanti clarified that the DRC delegation arrived in Liberia from Egypt and complied with all required health screening measures upon arrival.
She explained that officials from the Ministry of Health conducted temperature checks and ensured that all established health protocols were fully observed.
