Report by Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]
Monrovia – Israel is rebounding its relationship with Liberia, evident by the celebration of her Independence celebration in Liberia for the first time in 30 years.
The celebration was held at the Royal Grand Hotel in Monrovia and brought together several officials of government and members of the diplomatic corps.
“The relations between Israel and Liberia are precious and important to Israel,” said Israeli Ambassador Ami Mehl who is resident in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the celebration, Ambassador Mehl said, Israel-Liberia relations are playing an important role in bringing Israel back to Liberia because, according to him, both countries share common goals and values.
He recalled that Israel and Liberia’s ties go as far back as the 1958 when Golda Meir, as Foreign Minister (1956-1966), established strong relationships with Liberia during her tour to Africa in 1958. “She put a lot of efforts to promote the development and welfare of the people of Africa in general and Liberia in particular,” he said.
Ambassador Mehl: “The collaboration between Israel and Liberia continues to spring up in different fields such as economy, energy, agriculture, education, military, health and more. Israeli experts and professionals are being sent to Liberian and Liberians are invited to Israel to attend courses in various domains both theoretical and professional.
“That collaboration is continuing to grow throughout the years. Israel’s well-known Agency for International Development Cooperation, MASHAV, is having some ongoing projects dealing with aqua culture, emergency medicine and more to come. In the upcoming summer 10 Liberian will go to Israel for a one-year program of training in agriculture.”
He disclosed that Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor would participate soon in a women Leadership Conference in Israel.
He further disclosed that his country would like to set a date for the visit of President George Weah to Israel.
In remarks, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, B. Elias Shoniyin, said Liberia “also celebrates the gains made together the April 1959 protocol on treaty of friendship, the two countries have mutually benefited from collaboration in several fields, especially diplomacy, agriculture, health, culture, education, security, youth and sports, and infrastructural development. Many Liberian technicians and students are recipients of Israeli’s training opportunities”.
He acknowledged the long history of bilateral cooperation between the two countries which culminated into the signing of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in many fields of development; especially, in agriculture, health, education, security and infrastructural development.
Min. Shinoyin: “Mr. Ambassador, since your accreditation to Liberia, relations between Liberia and Israel continue to strengthened, which fulfilled your promise made during your presentation of Credentials in 2016. Your constant visits to Liberia often blunt the fact that you are a nonresident Ambassador. I must admit, we have lost count of your visits, thus making record as the most visiting nonresident Ambassador accredited to Liberia. Even more importantly, is the quality of your visits, You have led delegations in many fields including in diamond polishing, energy, agriculture, health, education, trade and investment, and many others. You have demonstrated a genuine love for Liberia and reestablished Israel as a reliable partner of Liberia. I wish to thanks you and your Government on behalf of the people of Liberia.”
Min. Shoniyin reemphasized President Weah’s commitment to deepen engagement with Israel.
“In our international engagement, our collective interest in combating terrorism and terrorist infrastructures must continue. The fight against global terrorism cannot be left to the developed countries alone, as no nation is immune. Terrorist fight should rather be a global effort that brings to bear strong law enforcement and sophisticated judicial systems. The Weah Administration remains committed to honoring its international obligations on this global war on terrorism,” he stated.