Combing Israel In Flying Colors -McGill-headed Delegation Enhances Liberia-Israel Ties

It’s all smiles and thumb-ups—perhaps also dining and wining—for State for Presidential Affairs Minister Nathaniel McGill and colleagues in the holy land of Israel, also divinely adored by most Liberians as a cradle of their faith. On the delegates’ political ticket’s way to power in Liberia, Israel was the Shrine consulted and petitioned for power and grace. Then senators George Weah and Jewel Taylor, barely a few months to the 2017 elections, reverently stood, hands locked into one and other, at the entrance of the Holy Tomb, apparently thrusting their faith and fate in the hands of their Savior. But that ritual was just a tip of a longstanding relations between Liberia and Israel, something forefathers had begun decades earlier. As the high-level delegation of the government of Weah and Taylor entered Israel on a special mission hardly publicized at home, reports are that the blessings of the rituals of years past spontaneously spurred, manifested in renewed diplomatic commitments, lavish pleasantries and hospitality. The Analyst reports.

Good tidings are filling the air from the Holy Jewish State of Israel where a high-power Liberian government delegation has been visiting in the last couple of days. Receptions at various ceremonies and assemblies are described enormous and there are confirmations that the visit is emboldening greater ties between Liberia and that prosperous Jewish Nation.

Liberia’s audacious pro-Israel push in the corridors of the United Nations under President William V.S. Tubman and most Liberians attracting to the Christian faith birthed in Israel have all had their way of attracting Israeli affection from time to time.

As Government delegation cruised through the official corridors, the reception and pleasantries are reportedly enthralling.

The current President of Israel, His Excellency Isaac Herzog, in a meeting with the Liberian delegation reportedly described his country’s relations with Liberia as “special”.

President Herzog said both nations have had long-standing diplomatic ties dating back to the formation of the State of Israel.  

According to a dispatch, he was speaking on Monday, June 6, 2022 in Jerusalem when he received a high-level Liberian Government Delegation headed by Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Nathaniel F. McGill, who delivered a Special Message to the Israeli President and Government on behalf of President George M. Weah.

“Israel has deep respect for Liberia”, the Israeli leader said, while noting that “this visit by the Minister [of State] and Delegation from President George Weah is historic.”  

He said Israel considers Liberia a “strategic partner in Africa” and will therefore work to ensure that “our strategic partnership is advanced for the betterment of both countries”. 

President Herzog informed the delegation that the potential for all kinds of Israeli investments in Liberia is vast. He named Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Education, Health and Tourism as areas that require concerted approach by both countries for socio-economic development.  

“We have all kinds of the expertise to assist Liberia in its development drive so the sooner we start our engagements, the better it will be”, he stressed, while suggesting Israel needs “a big economic delegation to visit Liberia soon”.  

The Israeli President also expressed his desire to visit Liberia himself in 2023, saying that “I want to follow in my father’s footsteps”- a reference to the visit of former Israeli President Chaim Herzog to Liberia in 1984.  

Earlier, Liberia’s Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Hon. Nathaniel F. McGill, conveyed President Weah’s request for the establishment of a Trade Mission to Jerusalem, while extending the Liberian leader’s sentiments of goodwill to the State of Israel. He recalled the strong ties the both countries have shared since the 1947 when Liberia cast a vital vote in favor of the establishment of the State of Israel at the United Nations.  

“President Weah wants to rekindle the historic ties our both countries have relished over the years, that is why we have come to deliver a special message from him as contained in this formal letter he has sent to you and your government”, Minister Mcgill said.

Continuing, he said the establishment of a Trade Mission will set the basis for a full diplomatic representation to Israel in the future. 

He briefed President Herzog about the progress Liberia is making under the leadership of President Weah, explaining that in spite of the negative impact of Ebola and Corona viruses on the Liberian economy, President Weah and his team have maintained macroeconomic stability, while keeping the country’s peaceful, in spite of the departure of the United Nation Peace Keeping Mission to Liberia.  

“Next October will be elections in Liberia and we are committed to ensuring a peaceful democratic process” the Minister of State emphasized.  

He then thanked President Herzog for receiving the Liberian Delegation and for the warm reception accorded them since their arrival.

Accompanying the Minister of State to the meeting with Israeli President were the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Hon Mawine Diggs, Minister of Agriculture, Hon Jeanie Cooper, and the Minister of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism Hon. Ledgerhood Rennie.  

Comments are closed.