Boakai, Toner Trade Commitments to Cement US-Liberia Relations -Assurances Come as America Celebrates 249th National Day

MONROVIA – Liberians are always divided in their opinions regarding their appreciation or assessment of the relationship between their country and the United States of America. While others believe Uncle Sam, as the founder of Liberia, is doing little or nothing for Liberia in terms of socioeconomic and political developments, others say the US cannot do for Liberia what Liberians themselves, mainly their leaders, cannot do for the country. Whatever the right opinion, the fact is that the umbilical cord between the two nations remains firm, and each time the opportunity is availed to leaders and officials of both country to speak it out, commitments to stronger bond is made. It is little surprise that as the US celebrates its National Day, the ambassador near Monrovia, Mark Toner, would exchange fond compliments and pleasantries with Liberia’s chief executive, President Joseph Boakai, as The Analyst reports. 

As the Embassy of the United States of America near Monrovia celebrates the country’s 249th Independence Day, Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner have reemphasized the commitment of their respective nations to further cement the historic and partnership ties that bind the two nations together for over 200 years.

The colorful ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy’s diplomatic enclave on Benson Street, Monrovia, saw President Boakai leading the charge, along with his entire cabinet, as well as members of the Legislature and Judiciary.

The well-attended ceremony was occasioned by President Boakai walking majestically onto the red-carpeted hall accompanied by Amb. Mark Tone, followed by the US Marine Security Guard giving the distinguished guests a proper Guard of Honor, followed by a rendition of the Liberian Nationa Anthm and the US National Anthem by the US Air Force Band.

Rising to the occasion, Ambassador Toner started by recognizing the role that the Boakai government has played in restoring Liberia’s standing among the comity of nation, a situation that has not been lost on the American government and people.

“It’s a great honor and privilege to welcome all of you to our celebration of the 249th birthday of the United States of America. I’d like very much to thank His Excellency President Boakai for joining us this evening to help us celebrate the enduring friendship and partnership between our two countries,” Toner said.

“Mr. President, I can thank you for guiding Liberia’s successful campaign for joining the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. Serving on the Security Council is a clear recognition of Liberia’s as a rising democratic leader in the region and the world.”

He continued. “We share a friendship and a strategic connection between the United States and Liberia. The United Nations and Liberia have a relationship linked by shared cultural and historic ties. As in the case of many relationships, our partnership has grown, developed and evolved over the years, without breaking the bonds that make it so durable.”

He said while the connection remains strong, “I believe we’re on the brink of a renewed partnership grounded in economic opportunity and mutual prosperity. We cherish the friendship and the strategic connection between the United States and Liberia,”

Ambassador Toner lauded the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for its 64 years of unbridled support to Liberia.

President Boakai, for his part, seized the moment to speak to a greater collaboration two traditional allies, an enhanced relationship that will be deepened by cooperation, increased development and shared growth.

“As our two nations align our foreign policy priorities towards shared economic goals, we find ourselves at a unique moment, one that offers promise of deeper cooperation, increase development and shared growth. Let us seize the opportunity to build a foundation that has endured for generations. Let us work together to create a futue of mutual prosperity.

“I want to thank you once again, Mr. Ambassador, for this invitation to celebrate with you Happy Independence Day, and may God bless the United States and also that our relationship continues to be fruitful,” President Boakai said.

Liberia’s participation at the U.S. Government’s 249th Independence Anniversary comes against the backdrop of the Liberian government being among five out of 54 African nations recently invited by the Donald Trump administration to officially visit the White House this early July.

 Liberia, Guiena Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal and Gabon are the only five African nations scheduled to meet with President Trump this July, followed by the larger US-Africa Summit scheduled in September, with almost all African leaders.