By Tarka Golegio in Monrovia
Liberian President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai is expected to lead a high-power government delegation on Thursday, March 7, 2024, to Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, for a one-day state visit.
According to an Executive Mansion release, during the visit, President Boakai and his Ivorian counterpart, President Alassane Ouattara, will hold discussions regarding a range of issues centered on Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire relations. It adds that the discussion will also focus on matters related to the Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire Framework Agreement, electricity, agriculture, and regional security.
This visit takes place as the West African Subregion is experiencing growing security tension due to terrorist activities and military takeovers.
The Liberian Leader’s itinerary in Cote d’Ivoire will cover visits to establishments such as TRANSCO CSLG and the National Center for Agronomical Research, with the aim of fostering knowledge exchange, skill-sharing, and technological cooperation between the two nations.
President Joseph Boakai is also set to participate in the Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire Joint Commission Meeting which will bring together several high-ranking officials from both governments to review significant issues, including strengthening the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation.
The Liberia-Cote d’Ivoire Joint Commission Meeting was initiated in 1972 to promote peace, security, and economic integration, free movement of people, exchange of ideas, goods, and services, and form a common front in alleviating some of the many developmental challenges faced by both countries.
Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire share a long history characterized by cohabitation, intermarriages, trade, cultural exchanges, and deep-rooted friendship before and after that neighboring country’s independence in 1961.
Accompanying the President on his trip are sector-specific government officials, including Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow-Nyanti, Finance and Development Planning Minister Boima S. Kamara, Agriculture Minister J. Alexander Nuetah, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Morley Paul Kamara, and Liberia Electricity Managing Director Monie R. Captan.
Other members of the delegation include Acting Chief of Protocol Antoinette Wolo, Presidential Press Secretary Kula B.N. Fofana, and Executive Assistant to the President Morie Yuade Nemah. In President Boakai’s absence, the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Honorable Sylvester Grigsby, will chair the Cabinet in close consultation with the Vice President, while the President remains in contact via telephone.
President Boakai has officially informed the Legislature of his departure from the country.