President Boakai said Transparency and accountability are foundational to trust in the partnerships and cooperation in which they all seek at the global forum.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai speaking at the international gathering informed the 9th FOCAC Summit in Beijing, China that Liberia focus continues to be on enhancing transparency, strengthening democratic processes, and ensuring that governance catalyzes sustainable development and social cohesion.
However, he was quick to add that the challenges his Country face are not unique to Liberia or Africa.
Making reference globally, He said across the globe, nations grapple with issues of governance that are interconnected and multifaceted. From political instability and corruption to issues of transparency and accountability, the state of governance requires ongoing attention and innovative solutions, he added.
He said Governments must be committed to open and transparent processes, and there must be mechanisms to hold leaders accountable for their stewardship of the benefits they accrue from their cooperation with China.
President Boakai stated that Anti-corruption efforts and the promotion of integrity are essential for ensuring that governance serves the common good.
” The Government of the Republic of Liberia remains fully committed to the ideals and objectives of FOCAC and places great importance on our bilateral relationship with the People’s Republic of China and this partnership has yielded mutual benefits for both our nations, with Liberia’s progress reflecting the broader challenges and triumphs of Africa as a whole”, he emphasized.
He told the gathering that Liberia is on a path of transformation through his Government’s ARREST Agenda, a comprehensive program prioritizing agriculture, infrastructure development (notably roads), human capacity building, and tourism.
He stressed that the future of Liberia -China relations is bright and promising, with numerous collaborative projects on the horizon, Among these, he pointed out that his government has embarked on significant initiatives such as the Bo Waterside-Freeport Asphalt Road, the construction of two proposed overhead bridges, enhanced water supply systems, and the design and construction of a sewage treatment plant in Monrovia.
Additionally, he informed the gathering that his Government is advancing the digital migration of radio and television broadcasting across major cities. These projects, supported by Chinese grants, will further strengthen our bond, for which we are deeply grateful”, he added.
President Boakai said Liberia’s commitment to the “One China Policy” is enshrined in Country’s laws, and Liberia view such relationship with China through the lens of shared aspirations.
“Together, we strive to build a shared future through “win-win” cooperation, focusing on industrial capacity building, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, healthcare, people-to-people exchanges, and the promotion of peace and security and we believe in the value of principles such as non-harm, harmony, sincerity, equality, mutual respect, amity, and good faith”, he noted.
At the same time, President Boakai reechoed Liberia’s committment to enhancing its cooperation and partnership under the FOCAC framework, and his administration look forward to working closely with everyone to ensure that the mutual interests of Africa and China are fully realized through its continued collaboration.
Reflecting further he said he recall the last time they met, back a decade and half ago in 2009, it was then in our positions as Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, respectively.
He hopes that such coincidence will bear some good omen for their renewed relationship.
President Boakai also hailed and acknowledge the commitment of China especially its President to forging a strategic partnership with Africa which is making a significant impact on the lives of Liberians and Africans in general.
“This partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared benefit, truly embodies the spirit of South-South cooperation and i wish to extend my sincere appreciation to our gracious hosts for the warm reception and generous accommodation extended to our delegation since our arrival in this beautiful City of Beijing”, he said.
He told delegates that their gathering to review the progress of their cooperation since the 8th FOCAC Summit in 2021 is key stating that it also outline a new Action Plan for the China-Africa partnership in the coming years.
The Liberian leader reflected that since its inception 24 years ago, FOCAC has proven to be an invaluable platform and an effective mechanism for strengthening and deepening the bilateral relationships between African countries and China indicating further that It has played a pivotal role in promoting economic cooperation and enhancing South-South collaboration on a multilateral level.
Moreover, he emphasized that FOCAC has also been instrumental in drawing global attention to Africa’s vast potential in the international trade arena.
“Indeed, FOCAC continues to serve as a model of meaningful and productive cooperation with African nations”, he noted.
According to him, The forum also represents an opportunity for dialogue and reflection on how governance may advance the goal of cooperation between China and the rest of Africa.
He stated that Governance encompasses the principles that ensure that its institutions are effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of their citizens.
President Boakai told the gathering that In a globalized and interconnected world, where challenges and opportunities transcend borders, the state of governance is critical in how they individually leverage opportunities and confront challenges.
Making reference to his Country, he said Liberia’s own journey has been one with a focus on instituting the necessary governance reforms for transformation.
He stressed that emerging from a period of civil conflict, Liberia has committed itself to rebuilding and reforming its institutions.
