JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: Welcoming Liberia’s President, George Manneh Weah, to Israel, Israelis President, Isaac Herzog, said it signified “President Weah’s love for Israel and deep admiration for the Jewish people.”
He said Israel takes its relations with Liberia very seriously as it was the first African nation to have established diplomatic relations with the Jewish State.
“We are anxious to foster our diplomatic ties with the opening of an embassy here in Israel,” President Herzog averred.
“With the opening of an embassy, Israel can do a lot with Liberia in many areas of cooperation such as agriculture, health, defense, and tourism,” he said.
On the international front, President Herzog offered to be of an advocate for the agenda of Liberia, disclosing that he will be addressing the Joint Session of the US Congress and would be willing to highlight Liberia’s case.
“I know of the great relations our three countries share,” referencing Liberia, Israel, and the United States.
On a lighter note, President Herzog expressed his delight about the footballing exploits of Timothy Weah, whose professional football skills are now acquired by the famous Italian Club giants Juventus.
“My family and I are great admirers of you, and now Timothy, your son. The People of Israel bless you and him, “President Herzog said.
In a meeting with Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog and Wife Michal, the Liberian leader extolled Liberia-Israel relations, emphasizing that both countries have, over the years, shared a long and historic fraternal bond.
President Weah said his visit to Israel is a return to the Holy Land of Divine Blessings.
Speaking at the Israeli State House where he, First Lady Clar Marie Weah and entourage were received by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog and Wife Michal, the Liberian President said he was delighted to be in Jerusalem, the Holy Land.
He stressed the need for strengthening the relations between the two countries, especially in the area of agriculture, with a focus on rice production.
He asserted that Liberia can also benefit a lot in other areas, including health, education, and trade from Israel.
On International Relations, President Weah reaffirmed Liberia’s support to the cause of peace between Palestine and Israel, saying, as the leader of a country coming from war, Liberia’s foremost international agenda is for the promotion of peace and democracy.
In a related development, President Weah and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have stressed the importance of enhancing the long-standing diplomatic ties subsisting between both counties through a vibrant economic cooperation.
The two global icons have common shared values and take similar stances at international forums for world peace and security.
President Weah and Prime Minister Netanyahu made the commitments during a bilateral meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Residence, the Balfour in Jerusalem.
The bilateral meeting was part of the Liberian Chief Executive’s three-day working visit to the State of Israel.
Both leaders have agreed to work together to improve trade links between both countries to assist Liberia in becoming food sufficient through Israeli investments and technologies.
They vowed to help Liberia in the field of agriculture with a focus on rice production, which is Liberia’s staple.
Additionally, Prime Minister Netanyahu committed Israel to helping Liberian industries add value to their local agriculture and other yields, such as rubber, oil palm, and cassava, among others.
He then thanked President Weah for his leadership and vision in stirring the affairs of Liberia and for his stance internationally on global peace and security.
“Israel will continue to be a true friend to Liberia and will work for the mutual benefits of Liberians and Israeli,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu averred.
The Liberian Chief Executive thanked the Prime Minister for the warm reception accorded his delegation.
He reiterated his call for enhanced relationships between the two countries through trade and commerce that would benefit the people of Liberia and Israel.
At the same time, President George Manneh Weah has received the Friends of Zion (FOZ) award – an internationally noted prestigious award – bestowed on eminent personalities who support the virtues and rights of the Jewish State of Israel.
The President received the honor on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem.
Presenting the Award, Michael Evans, President of FOZ, recounted President Weah’s unwavering stance in support of the Jewish Nation, the State of Israel globally, including at the United Nations and other international forums.
“The Friends of Zion Museum is your home just as Israel is your home. If you support Israel, you support the Jewish people,” Mr. Evans maintained.
Speaking further, the FOZ President said President Weah has demonstrated support for the state of Israel on the African continent and global summits.
Earlier, the Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen heaped praises on President Weah not only for his support for the Jewish Nation but also for the great job being done in Liberia and his advocacy for global peace and security .
“You are doing great work for the people of Liberia. You have stood and continue to stand for the rights of the Jewish Nation and the world,” the Min. Cohen asserted further.
“President Weah deserves the award.” Minister Cohen promised Israel’s unwavering commitment to President Weah and the people of Liberia.
Responding, the Liberian Chief Executive thanked the Friends of Zion for the award and reiterated his commitment to the just cause of the Jewish Nation and to world peace.
“This award is a motivation for me to continue what I have been doing for the Jewish people and Israel,” President Weah said.
