President Weah Pays Tribute to Sweden at 500 Yrs. Says Liberia-Sweden Relations Will Grow From Strength to Strength

MONROVIA: President George Manneh Weah has been heaping praises on bilateral relationship between Liberia and the Kingdom of Sweden, vowing that in the coming years the relationship will blossom from strength to strength.

The Liberian leader reflected on years of mutually beneficial relationship, stating that Liberia and Sweden have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations that have stood the test of time since 1958.

He said the relationship has grown from strength to strength throughout some 65 years, and that Sweden has been one of Liberia’s largest donors of foreign aid, which has extended over time into major development investment.

Dr. Weah made the remarks Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Executive Pavilion on Broad Street where the Embassy of Sweden hosted celebrations of that country’s 500 years of independence.

“I am delighted to join you here at the Executive Pavilion, Ambassador Sjostrom, and members of your staff, as well as all Swedish nationals within and outside the Republic of Liberia, on the very auspicious occasion, and I want to extend my heartfelt commendations to the Swedish People for achieving the remarkable feat of holding together as a nation-state for five centuries,” he said.

“Five hundred years of existence as an independent state since 1523 is indeed a remarkable achievement worthy of celebration.”

President Weah recalled the involvement of Swedish industry in the Liberian American-Swedish Minerals Company (LAMCO) which operated in Liberia between 1963 and 1989, being the largest Swedish commercial investment in Africa at the time.

“Indeed, LAMCO transformed the socioeconomic and political landscape of Liberia,” he said.

He continued: “Today, through the Swedish Government’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (SIDA), Sweden has been actively engaged with the post-conflict reconstruction and development of Liberia. SIDA has given significant support to the work for peace, democracy, and human rights in Liberia, as well as economic development and environmental climate protection. We hail the work of SIDA and continue to be grateful to the Government of Sweden for this level of support and cooperation.”

President said Liberia remains upbeat that the strength of “our bilateral relations will continue to grow from strength-to-strength as we explore ever wider areas of heightened cooperation,” assuring the foreign partners that Liberia remains committed to our common position on international affairs, including the advancement of global peace and security, rule-based international order, democracy and the promotion of gender equality and human rights, including freedom for all peoples.

Commitment to Free, Fair Elections

He indicated that Liberia will remain committed to good governance, transparency, respect for human rights, promotion of climate and environmental protection and, above all, upholding peace and security in Liberia and the world.

He stressed: “As I have repeatedly said on many occasions, my Government promises to conduct these elections in a manner that is free, fair, transparent and credible, that will meet the highest national and international standards, so that the voice of our people will be heard and respected.

“We are athaware that the outcome of the October 10th elections will define our future course; whether they will enhance our growing democratic credentials and allow us to continue on the path of peace; or whether we will relapse into confusion and conflict.”

The Liberian Chief Executive noted further: “For my part as the Political Leader of this Country, and Head of State and Government, I am convinced that, with the full cooperation and support of our international friends and partners, we will achieve the desired objectives of these elections, and that Liberia will continue on the path of peace, security and stability.”