Boakai Proposes Direct Flights, Embassy and Investment Deal with Türkiye

Ankara, Türkiye: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has proposed a major expansion of Liberia’s relationship with the Republic of Türkiye, calling for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, education, aviation, defense, healthcare, and diplomacy during high-level talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

At the bilateral meeting, President Boakai thanked President Erdoğan for hosting the Liberian delegation and expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s longstanding support to Liberia in education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure, and institutional development. He said the friendship between the two countries should now evolve into a strategic partnership capable of delivering measurable economic and development benefits.

A key proposal from the Liberian leader was the establishment of permanent diplomatic missions in both countries. President Boakai welcomed Türkiye’s plans to open a resident embassy in Monrovia and announced Liberia’s intention to establish its own diplomatic mission in Türkiye, either through a resident embassy or an initial Consulate General. He said the move would strengthen diplomatic engagement, investment, tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

President Boakai also proposed the creation of a Joint Cooperation Framework to oversee bilateral projects and called for the launch of direct Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Monrovia. He described the proposed route as a game changer that would boost trade, tourism, business, and position Liberia as a gateway to West Africa. He further invited Türkiye to partner with Liberia in modernizing Roberts International Airport into a regional aviation hub.

On infrastructure, President Boakai requested Turkish support through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) for the construction of the road linking 12th Street in Sinkor to Somalia Drive, describing it as one of Liberia’s most urgent development priorities. He also encouraged Turkish companies to invest in agriculture, energy, housing, road and bridge construction, ports, manufacturing, mining support services, and tourism, while proposing the establishment of a Liberia–Türkiye Business Council to strengthen private sector cooperation.

The Liberian President further called for expanded collaboration in education and healthcare, including more scholarships, technical and vocational training, university partnerships, teacher training, hospital modernization, medical equipment, and specialist medical training. He also welcomed possible cooperation with the Maarif Foundation to improve educational opportunities for Liberian students.

President Boakai appealed for stronger defense cooperation through military training, peacekeeping support, intelligence sharing, logistics, and defense equipment. He also urged Türkiye to ease visa requirements for Liberians, particularly holders of valid U.S., Schengen, and other internationally recognized visas, to encourage business, tourism, and educational exchanges.

In response, President Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening relations with Liberia, saying both countries should work to increase bilateral trade and deepen cooperation in defense, security, education, and transportation. He also congratulated Liberia on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, describing it as an important achievement.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from both governments, including Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran and Chief Foreign Policy and Security Adviser Akif Çağatay Kılıç. President Boakai expressed confidence that the discussions would open a new chapter in Liberia–Türkiye relations, driven by increased investment, stronger diplomatic ties, direct air connectivity, and major development projects benefiting both nations.