By Alhaji Haruna Sani
In a demonstration of regional solidarity, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., of the Republic of Liberia, concluded a successful working visit to Sierra Leone at the invitation of President Bio.
The three-day visit, which spanned from November 18 to 21, has reinforced the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two West African neighbors.
The communique was signed between the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francess Piagie Alghali, and Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
Prior to the official signing, Presidential Spokesperson, Alpha Kanu affirmed that the two leaders, known for their shared vision of prosperity and regional stability.
He said they both held high-level discussions on a wide range of issues, including political, economic, and security cooperation, as well as strengthening ties within the Mano River Union (MRU).
Kanu said President Bio warmly congratulated President Boakai on his recent election, describing it as a testament to the Liberian people’s trust in his leadership.
He concluded that both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to fostering regional integration and leveraging their countries’ potential for mutual development.
Reading from the communiqué, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, said the central focus of the talks was agricultural transformation, stating that President Boakai lauded President Bio’s “Feed Salone” initiative, an ambitious program aimed at revolutionizing Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector to achieve food security and economic growth and President Bio similarly commended Liberia’s renewed prioritization of agriculture as a cornerstone for job creation and poverty alleviation.
She maintained that both leaders agreed to collaborate on transformative agricultural initiatives to address hunger and create jobs by utilizing the region’s fertile lands.
Minister Nyanti said the two leaders expressed grave concerns over the democratic challenges within the MRU and ECOWAS regions and called for sustained efforts to uphold peaceful democratic transitions and emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation to foster peace, cultural exchange, and economic activities between border communities.
On the international stage, she said President Boakai commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in championing reforms at the United Nations Security Council, particularly through its work with the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C10). President Bio, in turn, endorsed Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2026-2027, underscoring Liberia’s potential to bring invaluable insights into peacebuilding and global security.
Both leaders pledged their unwavering support for the principles of the African Union and the United Nations, reaffirming their shared vision for global peace, security, and sustainable development.
President Boakai extended heartfelt gratitude to President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. The joint communique signed by Sierra Leone’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francess Piagie Alghali, and Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, marked the conclusion of the visit and a renewed commitment to collaboration.
