Monrovia, Liberia – The Governments of Japan and Liberia have formalized an exchange of notes, marking the donation of a consignment of assorted rice valued at 400 million Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately 3 million United States dollars. This generous contribution is part of Japan’s Kennedy Rice (KR) Food Aid program and is intended to be monetized by the Liberian government to support various socio-economic initiatives that are not covered by the national budget.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti noted that the event signal a major step towards strengthening the cooperation between Japan and Liberia. “Today is a very significant day for us as a government since it marks another action done by the government and people of Japan to strengthen our ties. You have traveled with us on the road to food security.”
Foreign Minister Nyanti underlined the essential part rice plays in Liberian people’s life. “As Liberians, we value our shared wealth above our love of rice, which is not secret. We are dedicated to reaching the Sustainable Development Goals so that the children of Liberia may compete internationally.”
Madam Nyanti stressed that Liberia have to address important socioeconomic issues crucial for sustainable development if it is to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. Foreign Minister Nyanti recognized the value of the ARREST Agenda and food aid program for Liberia’s government. “Your Rice Aid enables us to tackle important problems therefore guaranteeing equitable opportunities for shared prosperity among the people of Liberia. The ARREST Agenda of President Joseph is quite clear; our first pillar is agriculture, especially rice security.”
Foreign Minister Nyanti also emphasized Liberia’s agricultural possibilities, pointing out the nation’s rich arable land fit for crop output, particularly for rice. She said, she was confident that Liberia will reach self-sufficiency in food production and possibly help other countries with the ongoing support of Japan and other partners.
The Foreign Minister urged Japan not only to offer food aid but also to assist Liberians in developing their ability by means of training, technological transfer, and the provision of basic instruments. In keeping with their shared values, Foreign Minister Nyanti expressed hope that Liberia could greatly progress its cooperation with Japan with the correct assistance.
Foreign Minister Nyanti reiterated Liberia’s will to increase her interaction with Japan. “We wish to increase our participation to guarantee a closer working relationship and a stronger cooperation.”
She also seized the chance to ask Japan to back Liberia’s application for a non-permanent UN Security Council membership.
Japan’s Ambassador to Liberia, Mochizuki Hisanobou, discussed the bilateral agreement signed in 2008 between Japan and Liberia to handle food security issues during the ceremony. “Japan has been unwavering in its support of Liberia’s food situation improvement since 2008.”
He stressed the importance of rice to many Liberian homes and Japan’s commitment to the KR food aid program. “Rice is not just a staple but also a source of survival for many Liberian homes. It is good to see that Japan keeps doing this program yearly in close association with Liberia’s government.
Ambassador Hisanobou also underlined the Japan Food Assistance program as a sustainable way to increase local rice output and solve national rice scarcity. Under the direction of president Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., this effort complements the agricultural goals of the ARREST Agenda, he siad.
Through initiatives like the Japan-Liberia Paddy and Seed Rice Project, Ambassador Hisanobou confirmed Japan’s technical support to Liberia’s agricultural sector and urged a closer cooperation between the two countries in the sphere of food security.
The official signing ceremony took place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, in the Minister’s
conference room at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
