DUBAI/ UAE: President George Weah has commended the government and people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for undertaking several development projects in Liberia.
Speaking at the Liberia National Day program at Expo.2020- Dubai Expedition Center, United Arab Emirates, the Liberian leader said the UAE’s gestures have come as a result of the close cooperation they forged since he assumed office in 2018.
He said UAE is supporting Liberia in the areas of health, infrastructure development, sports, capacity building and agriculture.
According to him, the UAE is also financing the construction of a modern hospital complex in Western Liberia, as well as a state-of-the-art sports and recreational park, the Unity Sports Park, being built in central Monrovia.
“I am happy to announce also that the government of the UAE has been gracious enough to lend its hand to aiding with asphalt pavement of a road project leading to and through Liberia’s northern Lofa County, by providing additional funding support,” he said.
The Liberian leader told the gathering that, Liberia seeks to expand its potential in many areas, including the mining sector.
He indicated however that, the emerging fields of tourism, agriculture, and fisheries are ones that have yet to be exploited. He used the occasion to urge UAE citizens to come to Liberia and tap into these traditional and virgin sectors aimed at filling Liberia’s huge infrastructure deficit and fostering economic development.
President Weah who once played professional football in the UAE described UAE as his home.
Weah added that his experiences in that country inspired him to get involved with leadership in Liberia “to bring about change and to improve the lives of my people.”
“I therefore seek to maintain that relationship with my brothers – particularly the ruler of Dubai and Crown Prince of Abu-Dhabi, his highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” he said.
According to him, Sheikh Mohammed has been there for him since when he signed for Al Jazira Football Club about 20 years ago in Abu Dhabi.
The Liberian leader indicated that he considers him as a brother and a dear friend and that he (Weah) is confident that the unique relationship they share will continue to be beneficial to both their respective countries also the bilateral ties that bound both countries will be further strengthened.
“So, as we showcase our potential on this National Day, we want to inform all participating countries that Liberia is open for business, and that the potential can be transformative and mutual,” the Liberian leader said.
According to him, together, they can make Expo 2020 Dubai an unforgettable experience that will inspire both present and future generations.
He said Liberia looks forward to working in close collaboration with the United Arab Emirates to deliver on the promise of Expo 2020 Dubai.
