Liberia, Maryland Sign Historic Cooperation Agreement-Nyanti, Moore Seal Two-Century Friendship Pact

MONROVIA – THE REPUBLIC of Liberia and the State of Maryland have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marking the beginning of an official nation-to-state relationship rooted in nearly two centuries of shared history. Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, signed on behalf of the government of Liberia, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed for the State of Maryland. As THE ANALYST reports, Governor Moore described the MOU as the first of its kind between the State of Maryland and any African nation, a milestone anchored in trade, education, public health, and civic exchange.

Signing Ceremony and Witnesses

The signing ceremony brought together former Maryland State Senators and officials, as well as Sebastian Teclar, President of the Liberian Association of the DC-Metro, Maryland, and Virginia areas, and members of his leadership team. Minister Nyanti began by warmly extending greetings and best wishes from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., saying the signing marks the reaffirmation of a relationship that stretches back nearly two centuries, rooted in shared history, common aspirations, and enduring bonds.

Historical Foundations

Minister Nyanti noted that the State of Maryland occupies a special place in Liberia’s national history. She said the settlement that became Maryland County in Liberia traces its origins to the Maryland State Colonization Society. In modern times, she noted, the bonds have been strengthened through a Sister-State relationship between the State of Maryland and the counties of Bong and Maryland in Liberia, demonstrating the power of substantive diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, educational exchanges, development cooperation, and community engagement.

For his part, Governor Moore — Maryland’s first Black governor — began by congratulating Liberia on her election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member, saying it was long overdue for Liberia’s voice to be heard on such a global platform. Moore recalled that in 1834, free Black men and women fled the United States from dehumanizing conditions to find a new home in Liberia, and noted that the second President of Liberia, Stephen Allen Benson, was a free slave born in Cambridge, Maryland, who went to Liberia in the pursuit of freedom.

Four Pillars of Cooperation

Governor Moore emphasized that the MOU will focus on four major pillars: trade, education, public health, and civic exchange. He stated that these pillars will deliver real projects in real time and with tangible results. Minister Nyanti also noted that the partnership aligns closely with Liberia’s national development blueprint, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, and that the agreement establishes a forward-looking framework for cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and human capital development, reflecting a shared commitment to creating new opportunities for prosperity and sustainable development.

Liberia’s Delegation

Minister Nyanti was accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh; Assistant Minister for American Affairs Christiana Konneh; Minister Counselor for Political and Diaspora Affairs Charles HV Allen; and Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs Al-Jerome Anastas Chede, Sr. Also present were First Secretary Isaac Zally, Jr., and Executive Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Stephanie Wesseh. The media statement was issued by Chede, Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs at the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C.