The White Home introduced on Friday that US President Joseph Biden has dispatched a delegation of prime officers to attend Monday’s inauguration of Liberian president-elect Joseph Boakai, signalling Washington’s intent to strengthen bilateral relations with the West African nation.
The delegation, led by US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, contains senior White Home and State Division officers, reflecting the significance Mr Biden locations on US-Liberian ties. The delegation will embody the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Monrovia, Catherine Rodriguez; the Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Workplace of Public Engagement on the White Home, Stephen Benjamin; the Deputy Administrator of the United States Company for Worldwide Growth (USAID), Isobel Coleman, and the Particular Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, Nationwide Safety Council on the White Home, Judd Devermont. Their attendance comes after incumbent President George Weah conceded defeat to Mr Boakai in November’s runoff election.
In an announcement, Mr Biden congratulated Mr Boakai and the Liberian folks on a “peaceable presidential election” and transition. The White Home mentioned the delegation highlights America’s “enduring dedication” to supporting democracy and good governance in Liberia.
The go to additionally cements 160 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 international locations. The US has centered engagement with Liberia on “consolidating democratic progress, bettering capability, transparency, and accountability of governance establishments,” in accordance with the State Division. The 2 international locations get pleasure from a bilateral commerce and funding framework settlement.
As Mr Boakai takes workplace, the US seeks to broaden financial ties and commerce. Liberia’s economic system has struggled lately amid the worldwide pandemic, rising the necessity for international funding. Stronger industrial hyperlinks would profit each international locations.
With a high-profile US presence at his inauguration, President-elect Boakai can anticipate Washington to take a heightened curiosity in contributing to Liberia’s improvement. The delegation’s attendance indicators that below Mr Biden, fortifying relations with Liberia stays a precedence.
Pearl Matibe is a Washington, DC-based White Home Correspondent, and media commentator with experience in US international coverage and worldwide safety. You might observe her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe
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