President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has disclosed plan that the Liberian Government will soon appoint Ambassador to Rome, Italy. The move by the Liberian leader is to among other things, continue Liberia’s robust efforts in building stronger relations and partnership within the European Community. Speaking during a meeting with the Liberian Community in Rome, President Boakai also underscored the strategic importance of having a diplomatic presence in Rome, given that the City hosts the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other critical international institutions. “I am committed to ensuring that Liberia has a diplomatic mission here in Rome, and we hope to appoint an Ambassador soon to oversee our affairs and to assist you with the challenges you face,” he reassured the Liberian Community in Rome. He, at the same time, urged the Liberian Community to continue to work with the Liberian Embassy to resolve their immigration issues and maintain their dedication to contributing to Liberia’s future. With approximately 5,000 Liberians residing in Italy, many of whom are students, the Liberian Community expressed strong desire to return to Liberia upon completing their studies. They shared with the President their optimism for the creation of conducive environment for their return. In response, President Boakai affirmed that under his leadership will work tirelessly to create an atmosphere that is attractive not only to Liberians abroad, but also to foreign nationals, noting that countries are more likely to approve visas when they are confident that students will return home after their studies. Also speaking during the meeting, the President of the Liberian Community in Italy, Fatu Tunkarah, expressed her community’s eagerness to contribute to Liberia’s development. She also highlighted the challenges many Liberians face in regularizing their immigration statuses in Italy. Giving them some renewed hope, the Liberian Leader reaffirmed his commitment to reposition Liberia in Europe in alignment with the wishes and aspirations of its people, emphasizing the importance of a skilled and educated workforce to drive national development. Speaking on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with the Liberian Community in Rome, President Boakai praised the sacrifices many Liberians are making in pursuit of education abroad. He stressed that his Administration will create the necessary conditions to encourage these citizens to return home and contribute their skills and knowledge to nation-building efforts. “The Government’s role is to keep a watchful eye on Liberians wherever they are and we are proud of the sacrifices you are making in furthering your education, and we are committed to ensuring that Liberia becomes a place you want to return to, to help move our country forward,” President Boakai stated. In another development, President Boakai has welcomed the proposed support surrounding discussion with the European Investment Bank Executives for a 50 million Agriculture Development Loan for Liberia. President Boakai’s welcoming statement on the key developmental issue was made on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, when he met with a delegation from the European Investment Bank (EIB), led by the Bank’s Vice President for West and Central Africa, Gelsomina Vigliotti. Among other things, the discussion centered on a $50 million concessional loan aimed at Rice Value Chain development in Liberia. During the discussion, the Liberian leader highlighted the urgent need to rebuild Liberia’s agricultural systems, many of which were decimated by the country’s 14-year civil crisis. President Boakai re-emphasized under the ARREST AGENDA that Agriculture remains central to the Government’s development agenda. He stressed the importance of utilizing existing local infrastructure and expertise to ensure the success of the project. “We must work with those who know the land and the needs of our farmers,” President Boakai stated, adding, “The revitalization of our agricultural sector is key to rebuilding our economy and ensuring food security for our people.” The delegation from the EIB noted that discussions were progressing quickly, with the project slated to begin in the near future.
They at the same time commended the Minister of Agriculture for Liberia’s National Agricultural Development Plan and assured the Government of their commitment to aligning the project with the Government’s agriculture development agenda. Agriculture Minister, Dr. Alexander Nuetah, also participated in the meeting, expressing the importance of EIB project’s alignment with country’s agriculture development priorities enshrined in the NADP. “We are focused on maximizing production by encouraging farmers to move to lowland areas where irrigation systems can be more easily managed,” Minister Nuetah said. He emphasized that access to markets and proper water management would be critical to the success of the initiative. He also urged the EIB and its partners to ensure the project is carried out efficiently through a coordinated and collaborative approach. Moreover, Minister Nuetah admonished the team to ensure that they address Liberia’s agriculture development priorities as indicated in the country’s agriculture development plan. EIB Vice President Vigliotti emphasized their commitment to partnering with the Liberian Government in supporting sustainable agricultural development. The loan, when finalized, will fund development of critical infrastructure to enhance rice production and support the country’s goal of becoming more self-sufficient in food production. The initiative involves collaboration with expertise from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to maximize its impact. Meanwhile, the EIB delegation included Vice President Vigliotti, Head of the Bio-Economy Division Felipe, Ortega Schillingmann, Head of West and Central Africa Public Sector Unit, Svetia Stoeva, and Senior Economist, Blanca Amado.