Boakai Combs Eastern & Southeastern Asia -Hits China After Fruitful Visit to Indonesia

Like most newly elected national leaders particularly in the developing world that are often faced with the global financial or donor community’s ‘wait-and-see’ attitudes, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his administration are fighting frantically to consolidate their hold on the Liberian governance architecture. In such a case, the regime apparently desire taking advantage of and maximizing the slightest opportunity to unlock the prevailing odds and to move on with doing the people’s job that requires, first and foremost, meeting campaign promises of stabilizing the economy, improving living standards, and sustaining peace of the nation. It is not a surprise that, like other Liberian leaders before him, Boakai is now having a restless time running here and there to seek friendship near and far. In the last one week, at times flying over 24 hours nonstop on a single flight, the Liberian leader is combing the world’s largest continent, Asia, and there are reports he just arrived in the People’s Republic of China on the eastern front after completing business from the Southeast. The Analyst reports.   

The Executive Mansion has reported that the Chief Executive of the Republic, President Boakai and a high power -delegation arrive in Beijing, China ahead of the Forum On China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Accordingly, the Liberian leader, who is accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, and other top officials of Government, touched down in Beijing, China, September 4, 2024, to a warm welcome at the Beijing Capital International Airport, characterized by a Honor Guard and captivating Chinese cultural performances witnessed by high-level officials of the Chinese Government.

The president’s official visit marks an important milestone in the bilateral relations between Liberia and China and Liberia’s participation at the Forum On China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

President Boakai and delegation’s visit and participation aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership and exploring avenues for increased cooperation in areas such as agriculture, trade, investment, infrastructure, education, technology, electricity, and cultural exchange.

During the visit, President Boakai is scheduled to hold high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, the President of China, H.E. Xi Jinping, and other business leaders, participate in business forums, and engage in various cultural and diplomatic activities aimed at deepening the bond between the two nations.

The President’s Official Delegation includes: Mrs. Kartumu Y. Boakai, First Lady, Honorable Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honorable Sylvester Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Honorable Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Amin Modad, Minister of Commerce, Honorable Roland L. Giddings, Minister of Public Works, Honorable Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy, Honorable Jerolinmek Piah, Minister of Information Cultural Affairs & Tourism, Honorable Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management & Planning, Ministry of Finance Development Planning, and Honorable Sarh Johnny and Morley Kamara, Senior Economic Advisers to the President.

Other members of the delegation are: Honorable Jeff Blibo, Chairman, National Investment Commission, Honorable Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director, National Port Authority, Cllr. Neto Z. Lighe, Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Authority, Honorable Abdullai Kamara, Acting Chairman, Liberia Telecommunication Authority, Honorable Eugene Fahngon, Director General, Liberia Broadcasting System, and Honorable Prince A. Wreh, Executive Chairman, Liberia Special Economic Zones Authority.

Additionally, the President is accompanied by support staff, protocol and communication assistants, security personnel, and other key personnel.

The Liberia Chief Executive looks forward to further solidifying the longstanding friendship with China and seeks to leverage this visit to explore new opportunities for mutual growth and development.