Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) have praised Foreign Minister H.E. Sara Beysolow Nyanti for her recent successful visit to the Republic of Serbia, which has created new opportunities for international collaboration in sports development and elevated Liberia’s sports diplomacy efforts.
The two institutions praised Minister Nyanti’s diplomatic outreach as a pivotal moment in bringing Liberia’s foreign policy into line with its national sports and youth development objectives during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Friday, October 10.
Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, who led the delegation, praised Minister Nyanti’s accomplishments in obtaining promises from the Serbian government, including the sending of a professional elite coach from UEFA, technical training and exchange programs, and possible investment in Liberia’s developing sports industry.
According to Minister Bangalu, Minister Nyanti’s trip to Serbia was strategic as well as diplomatic. For the first time in a long time, sports policy and foreign policy are coming together to give our young athletes and coaches genuine opportunity. Liberian sports are entering a new era.
LFA President Mustapha I. Raji echoed these views, calling the Foreign Minister’s visit a “game-changer” for Liberian football. He stated that the Association is willing to work with both ministries to make sure the Serbian promises are realized in actual and useful outcomes.
“For Liberian football, this is a time of pride,” Raji remarked. “Minister Nyanti’s leadership has created opportunities off the field, demonstrating that sports diplomacy can benefit players, coaches, and administrators in real terms.”
Minister Nyanti, for her part, expressed her dedication to using athletics as a diplomatic instrument for national pride, youth empowerment, and solidarity. She emphasized that the Serbia-Liberia partnership is a bridge that connects diplomacy and development and has the power to change lives by creating opportunities.
Minister Nyanti pointed out that this is only the beginning. “The youth of Liberia possess the talent. Connecting such talent to opportunities both domestically and internationally is our shared obligation. Sports can serve as a link between prosperity, development, and peace.”
During Ambassador Nyanti’s formal visit to Belgrade, the Serbia-Liberia collaboration was established with an emphasis on capacity building, technical exchanges, and support for sports infrastructure.
Prior to Expo 2026, Serbia is also anticipated to designate a sports envoy with the goal of strengthening cooperation with Liberia in promoting the sports sector.
In addition to LFA 1st Vice President Prof. Sekou W. Konneh and Executive Committee members Pawala Janyan, Ivan G. Brown, and Tickly D. Monkoney, the meeting on Friday was attended by Deputy Sports Ministers G. Andy Quamie, Henry Yonton, and Laraamand Nyonton.
Both the MYS and LFA reiterated their shared objective to make sports diplomacy a cornerstone of national development as Liberia continues to reinforce its international partnerships. This will ensure that the country’s increasing international prominence is translated into tangible possibilities for its athletes and youth.
Photo credit: MOFA
Credit: Christopher C. Walker
