MONROVIA – Signs are getting clearer that the United States’ new ambassador to Liberia will soon take seat near Monrovia, ending the year-old interim period for Charge d’Affaires Catherine Rodriguez, whose walk-away from Liberia’s 177th Independence Anniversary program on July 26 sparked much public ado. In a preliminary move for the diplomatic transition, the incoming US ambassador paid a courtesy visit on Liberia’s foreign minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, as The Analyst reports.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti yesterday, August 5, 2024, received into her office and welcomed to Liberia Ambassador Mark Toner, Ambassador-designate of the United States of America.
The meeting was part of a diplomatic protocol meant to precede the new ambassador’s formal presentation of credentials to the president of Liberia.
Minister Nyanti and Ambassador-designate Toner focused their discussions during the meeting on strengthening U.S.-Liberian relations and cooperation on global issues such as human rights, terrorism, climate change, and good governance.
The Foreign Minister used the meeting to emphasize the strong partnership between the two nations.
Minister Nyanti expressed gratitude for the United States’ ongoing support and its key role in Liberia’s stability and peace.
Ambassador-designate Toner will replace outgoing U.S. Ambassador Michael A. McCarthy, who served from January 2021 to August 2024 and made significant contributions to U.S.-Liberia relations.
Minister Nyanti and Ambassador-designate Toner discussed issues such as human rights, climate change, democracy, and governance, pledging to strengthen bilateral ties and international cooperation.
Minister Nyanti assured Toner of her Ministry’s support during his mission in Liberia.
Mr. Toner expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to enhancing trade relations with Liberia.
Minister Nyanti assured Ambassador Toner of her Ministry’s full support for his mission, aiming to make his tenure successful.
In turn, Ambassador Toner thanked Minister Nyanti for the warm reception and reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in trade and other key areas.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both officials expressing their commitment to working closely together for the benefit of both nations and global peace.
Minister Nyanti and Ambassador-designate Toner, focusing on strengthening U.S.-Liberian relations and cooperation on global issues such as human rights, terrorism, climate change, and good governance.
About the New US Ambassador
Mark Toner, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, most recently served as the Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy, Paris, France.
Previously, Mr. Toner was the Department of State’s Senior Advisor for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, Washington, DC. Prior to that, he was a Senior Faculty Advisor at the National Defense University. Mr. Toner also served as the State Department’s Deputy Spokesperson (and Acting Spokesperson) under three consecutive Secretaries of State and as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs.
Mr. Toner’s three decades of experience in both public diplomacy and policy, coupled with his senior management experience, make him well-qualified to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia.
Mr. Toner’s earlier postings include assignments as Director of Press Operations in the Bureau of Public Affairs and as Director of Press and Public Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. He also served as Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to NATO, Brussels, Belgium and as Senior Watch Officer in the Department of State’s Emergency Operations Center. Earlier postings included Krakow, Poland, as Public Affairs Officer; and Dakar, Senegal, as Information Officer. He also did a year-long detail to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as a Professional Staff Member.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia.
Mr. Toner earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and his master’s degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of multiple State Department performance awards and speaks French and Polish.
I loved as much as youll receive carried out right here The sketch is tasteful your authored material stylish nonetheless you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike