Liberia and France Sign General Cooperation Agreement to Deepen Bilateral Ties

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Both ministers reflected on the historical ties between Liberia and France

The Governments of Liberia and France have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic relationship with the signing of a General Cooperation Agreement aimed at expanding collaboration across key development sectors.

The agreement was signed during an official ceremony at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris, coinciding with Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s state visit to France. The accord marks a renewed commitment to bilateral engagement and reflects both nations’ strategic priorities in Africa and beyond.

Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and France’s Minister Delegate Éléonore Caroit, who oversees Francophony, international partnerships, and French nationals abroad, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

The cooperation framework encompasses a wide array of sectors, including education, agriculture, health, environment, youth empowerment, sports, climate change, renewable energy, forestry, biodiversity, and water and sanitation. Officials described the agreement as a roadmap for sustainable development and institutional capacity building.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Nyanti expressed Liberia’s gratitude for France’s enduring support, particularly in post-conflict recovery and development efforts. She highlighted the agreement’s alignment with Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes agriculture, infrastructure, governance, education, sanitation, and tourism.

Nyanti also acknowledged France’s backing of Liberia’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, describing it as a testament to the trust and solidarity between the two nations.

Minister Caroit reaffirmed France’s support for Liberia’s upcoming Security Council tenure, praising the country’s commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. She emphasized that Liberia’s leadership would contribute meaningfully to global efforts in multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution.

Both ministers reflected on the historical ties between Liberia and France, dating back to early diplomatic exchanges and joint initiatives in education, governance, and cultural affairs. They reiterated their shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and inclusive growth through collaborative approaches.

The delegations agreed to hold periodic consultations to monitor the implementation of the agreement and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in the green economy, cultural diplomacy, and youth development.

The signing ceremony concluded with expressions of goodwill and optimism for the future of Franco-Liberian relations. Officials from both sides underscored the importance of sustained partnership in advancing peace, prosperity, and shared values on the international stage.