By Kemo Cham
The leaders of Liberia and Sierra Leone have committed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through improved trade relations and collaboration in combating hunger and unemployment through innovative agricultural initiatives.
Presidents Joseph Boakai and Julius Maada Bio also vowed to promote sub-regional unity and peace.
The two heads of state made the commitments during a meeting on the first day of a working visit by the Liberian leader to Sierra Leone. President Boakai is on a 4-day visit both countries say is aimed at strengthening ties between the two Mano River Union (MRU) neighbours.
It is Boakai’s first visit to Sierra Leone since assuming the presidency in January this year, after elections that saw him defeat the then incumbent President George Weah.
Prior to his arrival in Freetown, the Liberian presidency said Boakai’s visit was meant to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The relationship between Liberia and Sierra Leone has evolved into a mutually beneficial partnership, enhancing socio-economic growth and strengthening our bilateral ties,” Boakai is quoted saying at the meeting with his host at State House in Freetown.
Liberia and Sierra Leone are the founding members of the MRU, a sub-regional bloc comprising four countries, including Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire, which seeks regional integration through economic and political collaboration.
According to the Liberian government, Boakai hopes to use his four-day visit to foster regional integration through the MRU and other regional and international blocs like ECOWAS, AU and the United Nations.
Boakai made the trip to Sierra Leone by road, entering the country through its southern border of jendema in the Pujehun District. The Liberian leader said he did so because he wanted to witness firsthand the development initiative of his counterpart’s administration.
President Bio spoke about the cultural ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, which he said was a strong basis for the two countries to work in collaboration for their benefits of their citizens.
The Sierra Leonean leader proposed inter-ministerial exchanges to promote knowledge sharing and joint efforts.
“As neighbors with open borders, Sierra Leone and Liberia have a unique opportunity to lead in strengthening sub-regional cooperation, particularly in border security,” he said.
Bio also acknowledged Liberia’s support for Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, which he noted reinforced the importance of collaboration within the MRU.
Liberia is also seeking a seat the security Council.
In a communique issued by the two leaders at the end of their meeting, they committed to supporting peaceful democratic transitions for stability in the MRU and ECOWAS regions, and fostering cross-border cooperation to promote harmonious coexistence, cultural diversity, and economic development, according to a news release from the presidency in Freetown.
The communiqué, it notes, outlines plans for improved trade relations and strategic partnerships to utilize the fertile lands of both countries for sustainable development.
Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, in a press briefing after the meeting between the two leaders spoke about the shared vision of their administrations.
“Our governments are united in prioritizing agriculture and trade as key drivers of development. This partnership represents a turning point for regional integration,” she told journalists.
Francess Peagie Alghali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone, underscored the significance of continued dialogue and cooperation to address security and economic challenges in the sub-region.
“Through strengthened bilateral relations, we are setting the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for our people,” she said.
Boakai is scheduled to tour projects sites relevant to the development initiative of the Sierra Leone in the course of his stay in the country, including a visit to the MRU Secretariat.
