Doha, Qatar – On the margins of the 2022 World Cup being hosted by Qatar, the President Liberia of George Manneh Weah and the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met on Sunday, November 27, 2022. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pledged additional money during the bilateral meeting on November 27, 2022, in Doha for the Second Phase of the paving of the Gbarnga-Mendikorma Highway Project (Lofa Road). The commitment of the Emir of Qatar was due to President Weah’s quest for developing Liberia.
The Lofa Road is a “vital national infrastructure,” according to Mr. Weah. The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), which is operated by Qatar, earlier made a contribution to the ongoing projects according to the Executive Mansion.
The Emir promised to support the Liberian Government in achieving its development goals as stated in the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development in addition to agreeing to fund Phase II of the Lofa Road (PAPD). Mr. Weah at the same time requested collaboration and investment prospects between Liberia and Qatar in the areas of manufacturing, energy, low-cost housing, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, education, and aviation sectors.
“I look forward to the coming of Qatar Airways to build a public-private partnership with actors in the Liberian private sector, with the view of establishing a local airline in Liberia to serve the sub-region”, Mr. Weah noted.
The Executive mansion has reported that the Emir has consented and committed to sending a delegation from the government and Qatari business community to visit Liberia early in 2023 in response to the President’s demands. Based on the shared goal of boosting the prosperity of our two nations and peoples, diplomatic relations between Liberia and the State of Qatar continue to see positive developments at the ambassadorial level and within the multilateral system, including but not limited to the International Organizations, Inter-parliamentary Assemblies, and the United Nations.
President Weah congratulated Sheikh Tamim, the government, and the people of the State of Qatar for their wonderful help to Liberia, which included supplying ambulances, medical supplies, and equipment, as well as constructing a mosque and school there. President Weah also commended the Emir and the people of Qatar for their country’s successful World Cup hosting thus far. President Weah at the same time invited His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to travel to Liberia.
The two leaders concurred that diplomatic channels will be used to iron out the details of the visit. The pledges were announced in addition to an Agreement for the construction of athletic facilities in Liberia and the instruction of young people and coaches in various disciplines that were signed by the Government of Liberia and ASPIRE.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
