Trump’s Invite of Liberia Scores ‘Bigly’ -Experts Say Boakai’s Inputs Revive Nobler US-Liberia Ties

MONROVIA – Reports coming out of Washington, United States, suggest that the silver lining along the darkened diplomatic pathway are being washed out and glittering even more between the two historical friends, evidenced by President Donald J. Trump’s extending of an invitation to his Liberian counterpart Joseph Nyuma Boakai. The Liberian leader is one of five African statesmen exclusively invited. The meeting is featuring high-level discussions between Trump and Boakai and peers, aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and key African nations, focusing on diplomacy, trade, security, and investment. As sources closely following the trip are hinting, the Liberian leader has been so eloquently conveying Liberia’s critical interests, conveyed in ways that put the spotlight on the country, and attracting the host’s admiration – something many believe foretells a very rewarding international trip yet by the Chief Executive. The Analyst reports.

President Joseph Boakai has already hit the ground running, as he participated in the first major session, a lunch, with host Donald Trump, where he and other visiting colleagues exchange pleasantries, with the opportunity to introduce themselves and respective countries.

On his term to speak directly with President Trump and the American public yesterday at the White House, Boakai expressed his nation’s appreciation for the historical ties existing between the two nations.

He extolled President Trump for the invitation, noting that the two administrations have a shared goal to make their respective nations great again.

“We recently celebrated your 249th Independence Anniversary at your Embassy in Monrovia, Mr. President,” Boakai began. “We thank you for the opportunity to be here today.”

President Boakai stated further: “Liberia has been a longstanding friend of the United States, and we believe in your vision of making America great again. Our partnership stretches far back, and we stand with you on economic diplomacy and commercial cooperation.”

Liberia, Boakai said, is blessed with an abundance of vast mineral potential, and as a good and trusted friend, “we are seeking support to conduct comprehensive mineral surveys. This is vital to unlocking sustainable growth and mutual economic benefits”.

Often described as America’s stepchild or the 51st state of the USA, Liberia has had a deep-rooted history with the United States of America.

From the alignment of historical ties dating back to the founding of Africa’s oldest republic in 1847 by freed slaves from America, Liberia continued to be attached to the umbilical cord of its faux pas colonizer.

The Liberian leader used the occasion to assure of his country’s commitment to peace, stability, and democratic governance, citing the country’s progress in holding successive democratic elections and maintaining regional stability.

“We are fortunate to have enjoyed relative peace and democratic continuity. Our country is steadily cooling down after years of conflict, and we are proud of the democratic path we continue to follow,” he said, and called for deeper American engagement in the areas of investment, infrastructure, and security cooperation.

“We would like to see increased American investment in Liberia,” he continued. “We believe the United States can play a key role in advancing peace and security within our region, and we are committed to working closely with you in that regard.”

Speaking earlier, President Trump outlined the purpose of his invitation to the select group of African leaders visiting him, stating unequivocally that immigration and other pertinent issues will be on the agenda.

“I also hope we can bring down the high rates of people overstaying visas and also make progress on the Safe Third Country Agreements,” Trump said boldly. “Guinea Bissua, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal are all very vibrant places with very valuable land with great minerals, great oil deposits and wonderful people.”

He said last month the US Africa Business Summit recorded an attendance record and actually generated $2.5 billion deals in new economic deals for the United States.

On June 27 the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda visited the White House to sign a historic peace agreement that we worked out.

“My administration is committed to strengthening our friendship through economic development efforts that benefit both the US and our partners, and we’re shifting from aid to trade,” he asserted. “Trade seems to be foundation that I have been able to settle a lot of these disputes.”