MONROVIA: The Liberia Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), says its attention has been drawn to an article published by a local daily on Monday, November 11, 2024, under the headline, “Liberia Strengthens Ties with Russia.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify the current state of Liberia’s relations with the Russian Federation.
The Foreign Ministry, in a press release issued on Thursday, November 14, 2024, in Monrovia informed the general public, media outlets, and international partners that at no point did the Government of Liberia issue a statement, indicating the trengthening of relations with Russia.
According to the Foreign Ministry release, the assertions made in the media do not reflect the official position of the Liberian government.
Bilateral relations between Liberia and Russia remain consistent within the framework of diplomatic engagement but have not undergone any recent changes or enhancements as suggested in the media report.
The misleading article in the local daily comes in the wake of the recent participation of Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, in an international conference held in Russia.
The conference, which brought together representatives from African countries, served as a platform for dialogue on global economic and political issues.
However, MOFA said the presence of a Liberian delegation at this conference does not equate to a shift in the diplomatic stance of the Government of Liberia toward the Russian Federation.
Dr. Nyei’s attendance at the conference was part of Liberia’s routine engagement in multilateral forums aimed at exploring opportunities for international cooperation and advancing the nation’s economic interests.
The deputy minister did not make any public statements or engage in discussions that could be interpreted as indicating an enhancement of bilateral ties between Liberia and Russia, the Ministry further explained.
“Liberia’s foreign policy remains grounded in principles of non-alignment, respect for international law, and the pursuit of peaceful and constructive relations with all countries based on mutual interests,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to emphasize that any significant developments in the country’s diplomatic relations would be communicated through official channels.
The Government of Liberia has a transparent process for announcing foreign policy shifts or enhancements in bilateral relations, and such announcements are typically made through official press releases or statements issued by authorized representatives.
The ministry acknowledges that international engagement is a crucial aspect of Liberia’s foreign policy, but it is important to distinguish participation in international conferences from any commitments to strengthen ties with particular countries.
In addition, the ministry clarified that the statement by Mr. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, regarding plans to reopen the Russian Embassy in Liberia.
This announcement was first heard in a general statement at the opening of the Russia-Africa Summit and has since been communicated to the Government of Liberia.
Liberia reaffirms its commitment to working with other African nations in promoting peace and ending proxy wars on the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciates the role of the media in keeping the public informed but urges journalists to uphold professionalism and accuracy in their reporting.
The ministry remains available for any inquiries or clarifications regarding Liberia’s foreign policy and international relations.
Lastly, Liberia reaffirms its commitment to working with other African nations in promoting peace and ending proxy wars on the continent.
Interestingly, while the government tries to distance itself from diplomatic ties with Russia, Representing Liberia at the recent forum held in Russia, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Ibrahim Al-bakri Nyei, addressed attendees on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Deputy Minister Nyei said Liberia was eager to deepen its collaboration with Russia in various areas, including trade, technical exchange, and peacebuilding.
“Our participation in this meeting is a demonstration of our interest and desire to engage as a member of the African bloc and to explore partnerships that confront our common global challenges, which include climate change, insecurity, poverty, and inequality,” Deputy Minister Nyei said.
According to Nyei, Liberia, despite being absent from the 2023 Russia-Africa Summit due to its electoral campaign, aligns with the commitments made at that gathering, where African leaders endorsed partnerships in energy security, economic development, and scientific cooperation with Russia.
“We agree in principle to the outcomes of that meeting and believe that it laid a foundation for partnerships that may contribute to shared prosperity,” he said.
Dr. Nyei addressed concerns within the ECOWAS, pointing to the increasing challenges of resolving conflicts in some member states.
He attributed these difficulties to external influences and complex, multi-layered conflicts that often involve proxy wars.
“We in the ECOWAS region are particularly concerned that resolving conflicts in some of our member states has become increasingly difficult,” Dr. Nyei said.
“This is not necessarily due to a lack of willingness to negotiate or a disinterest in peace among national actors, but rather because these conflicts have become more complicated and seemingly intractable.”
He called on Russia and other international partners to support ECOWAS in its efforts to maintain unity and encourage peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
“We call on our external friends and partners to join us in supporting efforts to maintain community cohesion and to foster a negotiated political settlement to the instability affecting some ECOWAS member states and the continent as a whole,” he added.
Dr. Nyei also announced Liberia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term.
He said that Liberia, having overcome its own internal conflicts, was keen to share its peacebuilding experience on a global platform.
“As a post-conflict success story, we are keen to contribute to global peace and security,” he said.
Dr. Nyei added that Liberia supports efforts to reform the Security Council, making it more inclusive and responsive to global challenges.
“We believe we can mobilize the moral voices around the world in favor of these objectives and work towards a just and peaceful world for all humanity,” he said.
The Deputy Minister emphasized Liberia’s current national development agenda, which aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He noted that President Boakai’s administration is committed to addressing climate change, poverty, and inequality through targeted programs.
“Our current national development agenda, which His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is meticulously executing, has programs specifically aimed at mitigating these challenges while improving living conditions,” he said.
Dr. Nyei described Liberia’s diplomatic relations with Russia, established in the 1950s, as longstanding and said President Boakai aims to build on this foundation.
“Liberia and Russia have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the 1950s,” he said.
“President Boakai intends to build on this longstanding relationship by exploring more opportunities of cooperation in pursuing our common interests and confronting our challenges,” he stressed.
