Highlights Drive for Global Presence
Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s growing international diplomatic momentum has been expressed by Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, who highlighted the country’s historic re-entry into the UN Security Council, its improved relationship with the United States, and its pursuit of economic partnerships to address youth unemployment and national development.
The Minister’s comments on Monday, October 20, coincide with increasing international interest in Liberia after the nation was elected to a coveted non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council after President Joseph Boakai met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in July.
“This is not an event, but a journey,” Minister Beysolow-Nyanti said. “As soon as Liberia was elected, President Boakai made it apparent that the country needed to shift its international stance. We are no longer a burden to the world. We are acquiring problem-solving skills.”
A full two-year non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council was attained by Liberia with 181 votes, one of the nation’s greatest diplomatic triumphs in recent memory.
The campaign, which included high-level bilateral outreach and a unified front across Liberia’s embassies and ministries, was broad and purposeful, according to Minister Beysolow-Nyanti.
She said, Liberia’s diplomatic engagements at this year’s UN General Assembly increased over the previous years. “We are now seated at the international table where decisions affecting peace and security are made,” she said.
According to the foreign minister, mutual interest and economic diplomacy are the cornerstones of Liberia’s growing relationship with the US. Important minerals, visa regulations, migration, and job development have all been discussed in high-level meetings with U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, Senator Marco Rubio, and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
President Boakai’s historic decision to ask Minister Beysolow-Nyanti to speak, making Liberia the only nation whose foreign minister spoke directly to the U.S. president, was a major highlight of the July White House meeting, which included five African leaders. “I wasn’t the focus of that moment. It was about our leadership’s confidence and Liberia’s voice being heard on the international scene,” she emphasized.
The Foreign Minister confirmed that Liberia has asked the United States for a geological survey, its first since the 1970s, in order to better understand and utilize the nation’s mineral wealth, as interest in strategic resources like lithium and cobalt is skyrocketing globally and the country seeks to responsibly utilize its resource potential.
“We are not merely looking for extraction.” She emphasized that “we are looking for value addition that boosts our economy and generates jobs.”
ddressing the growing problem of illegal overstays and absconding by Liberians traveling to the U.S., Minister Beysolow-Nyanti acknowledged complex but urgent issues, pointing out that it has harmed the nation’s reputation and impacted talks for multi-year visas. She cited one instance in which a trainee who was supported by the United States allegedly disappeared after reaching the country, a situation that has led to displeasure in American diplomatic circles.
“This is detrimental to our country. We are preparing a nationwide media campaign to inform our citizens of the consequences,” she said.
The Minister stated that future talks are expected to be discussed as Liberia strengthens its immigration cooperation with the United States, even if no formal deportation agreement has been reached. Liberia is extending its diplomatic ties within ECOWAS and on the African continent in addition to the United States and the United Nations.
Minister Beysolow-Nyanti commended the joint efforts of foreign service personnel, ambassadors, and assistant ministers for raising Liberia’s stature internationally. On some of the most significant international stages, Liberia now represents not only Africa but also itself. “We have to behave appropriately,” she continued.
The Foreign Minister stated that the job is only getting started as the nation is ready to join the UN Security Council in January. President Boakai’s vision of a recognized, strategic, and powerful Liberia, one that actively shapes global affairs in addition to its historical significance was affirmed by the foreign minister. “We are rebuilding, rebranding, and redefining what Liberia stands for in the international system,” she insisted.
