Enhancing Historical Bilateral Relations between Liberia and France; Foreign Minister Nyanti Signs a General Cooperation Framework

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has signed a renewed General Cooperation Framework with the French Government. The signing ceremony in Paris represents an important step toward revitalizing the long-standing bilateral and development relations between Liberia, Africa’s oldest republic, and France.

Minister Nyanti signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Liberia, alongside Edinold Shariot, the French Coordinator for Francophone Countries.

The renewed cooperation agreement covers various strategic development sectors, including education, agriculture, climate change mitigation, water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and initiatives to strengthen institutional capacity.

Minister Nyanti stated that the updated cooperation framework aims to not only renew commitments but also strengthen practical collaboration in sectors vital to Liberia’s sustainable development agenda.

Liberia and France have a diplomatic and historical relationship that dates back to the mid-19th century. France was one of the first European countries to recognize Liberia as a sovereign republic after its declaration of independence in 1847.

Over the decades, Liberia and France have collaborated in areas such as trade, maritime navigation, educational exchange, and cultural diplomacy. Liberia was home to one of West Africa’s earliest French cultural missions, which contributed to the growth of Francophone educational influence among Liberian scholars and diplomats.

The signing occurred after a high-level bilateral discussion between Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

The two leaders discussed strategies to enhance economic cooperation, increase private sector investment in Liberia, support agricultural reforms, and strengthen Liberia’s role in global climate change initiatives.

The meeting also aimed to strengthen Liberia's institutional governance framework, enhance public service delivery, and expand educational exchange programs supported by France for Liberian students. Both leaders pledged to reinforce Liberia's integration within the Francophone cooperation framework, particularly through cultural exchanges and support for language education.

During his four-day official visit to France, President Boakai is expected to engage in strategic business discussions with executives from TotalEnergies, ArcelorMittal, and other potential investment partners. These discussions are anticipated to focus on enhancing private sector involvement in Liberia's natural resource development, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and modernizing public infrastructure.

The President is scheduled to meet with the Liberian community in France to provide updates on national development priorities and encourage diaspora participation in investment and community projects in their home country.

The signing of the renewed cooperation framework signifies a "new chapter of strategic trust and shared vision" between the two countries and demonstrates Liberia's commitment to enhancing alliances that foster national development, institutional reform, and international cooperation.