Boakai, Trump Hold Phone Talks – Officials Say Conversation Reaffirms Liberia-U.S. Historic Ties

MONROVIA – Liberia’s historic ties with the US are getting a boost, with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s reported cordial phone call with President Donald Trump reaffirming the long-standing relationship between the two nations. Observers say the conversation highlights the Unity Party government’s diplomatic breakthrough, showcasing Liberia’s growing influence on the global stage. The discussion, sources say, centered around regional peace, governance, economic development, and security cooperation, with both leaders expressing optimism about deepening cooperation. Also importantly, the phone call comes at a pivotal moment, with Liberia assuming a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, amplifying its voice on global peace and security issues. THE ANALYST’S Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr. reports.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Sunday, December 21, held a cordial telephone conversation with United States President Donald J. Trump, reaffirming the long-standing relationship between Liberia and the United States and expressing mutual interest in deepening cooperation.

According to an Executive Mansion release dated December 22, 2025, the two leaders discussed issues of shared concern, including regional peace and stability, governance, economic development, and security cooperation.

The EM release indicated that President Trump conveyed greetings to President Boakai and the Liberian people, while acknowledging the historic bond that has linked the two nations for more than a century.

President Boakai welcomed the engagement and outlined Liberia’s national priorities, emphasizing good governance, economic growth, and sustainable development. Both leaders expressed optimism about continued dialogue and stronger bilateral engagement.

The call comes at a significant moment for Liberia, which has recently assumed its seat on the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member, a development the government views as an opportunity to amplify the country’s voice on global peace and security issues.

Historic Relationship

Liberia and the United States share one of Africa’s oldest diplomatic relationships, dating back to Liberia’s founding in 1847 by freed African-American settlers with support from U.S.-based organizations the ACS.

The United States was the first country to recognize Liberia’s independence, and the two nations have maintained close political, economic, and cultural ties ever since.

Over the decades, the United States has played a major role in Liberia’s development, providing assistance in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and democratic governance. Washington has also been a key partner during Liberia’s post-war recovery, supporting peacekeeping efforts, security sector reform, and electoral processes.

In recent years, U.S.-Liberia relations have focused on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing regional security cooperation.

Liberia is also eligible under the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers trade preferences aimed at boosting African exports to the U.S. market.

The telephone conversation between Presidents Boakai and Trump underscores the continuity of these ties and signals both governments’ interest in sustaining collaboration as Liberia pursues its national development agenda and plays a more active role on the international stage.

Government officials say further engagements between Monrovia and Washington are expected as both countries work to advance shared values and strategic interests.