MONROVIA โ The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, has reaffirmed Liberiaโs strong and enduring partnership with the People’s Republic of China during remarks delivered at the Lunar New Year Dinner hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia Friday 13 February.
Speaking at the celebration, Speaker Koon expressed gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador for the invitation and extended warm wishes on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia.
โMr. Ambassador, I want to thank you for the invitation to this Lunar New Year Dinner,โ Speaker Koon stated.
He noted that in 2023, the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution officially recognizing the Lunar New Year as a United Nations floating holiday, underscoring its growing global significance.
Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between the Republic of Liberia and the Peopleโs Republic of China, Speaker Koon recalled that relations date back to February 17, 1977. Since 2000, Liberia has benefited from more than 68 Chinese official development finance projects spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public service delivery.
Among these notable interventions are the renovation and construction of the Engineering Department at the University of Liberia and a US$10 million contract awarded in 2008 for the construction of a 100-bedroom hospital in Nimba County.
China also played a critical role during Liberiaโs fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak, deploying medical personnel from the Peopleโs Liberation Army to work alongside Liberian health professionals.
The Speaker highlighted landmark infrastructure projects as visible symbols of Chinaโs development partnership with Liberia.
The Ministerial Complex, the two annexes to the Capitol Building seat of the Liberian Legislature and ongoing construction of overpass bridges in Monrovia all stand as testaments to Chinaโs commitment to Liberiaโs growth and modernization.
He further disclosed ongoing engagements with the Peopleโs Republic of China to support the refurbishment of the Rotunda and other sections of the Capitol Building that were severely damaged by fire on December 18, 2024.
Speaker Koon emphasized that Chinaโs contributions to road construction and scholarship opportunities for Liberian students continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
The Speaker also acknowledged the establishment of Chinese language courses by the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia in October 2009, an initiative designed to bridge communication gaps and deepen business and cultural ties between the two nations.
โChina has been a valued partner to the Government and people of Liberia,โ Speaker Koon affirmed. โWe appreciate the Peopleโs Republic of China for standing with us.โ
Speaker Koon extended best wishes for prosperity, peace, and continued collaboration in the Lunar New Year, expressing hope that bilateral relations between Liberia and China will be further enhanced and sustained in the years ahead.
