By Margret Nyumah:
Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent visit to the United States has rekindled a strategic partnership that had been dormant for over a decade, according to Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah.
Addressing journalists at the Ministry of Information’s regular news briefing on Thursday, Minister Piah revealed that the long-paused U.S. Liberia Partnership dialogue, last held in 2013, will now be revived as part of President Boakai’s renewed diplomacy strategy.
“This dialogue is vital,” Piah stressed. “It’s not just symbolic, it is the platform for our nations to align goals, discuss development cooperation, and reinforce diplomatic ties.
President Boakai’s trip, which included meetings with officials from the U.S. State Department, IMF, World Bank, and MCC, signals a deliberate shift in Liberia’s foreign policy posture under his leadership.
Piah explained that these engagements were outcome-focused, especially concerning the MCC Compact.
Contrary to rumors, the Compact remains under review, not canceled.
Additionally, the U.S. government has agreed to finance a comprehensive geological survey of Liberia to assess its untapped natural resource base.
“This is a game changer for our economy,” Piah said, noting that such a survey could lead to long-term investments and boost national revenue.
The Information Minister also confirmed that immigration issues were discussed frankly during the visit, especially concerns about visa abuse by some Liberians.
“We made it clear that while accountability is necessary, law-abiding citizens must not be penalized for the wrongdoing of others” he added.
Piah also addressed criticisms of President Boakai’s public speaking during the visit, asserting that the president was clear and persuasive in articulating Liberia’s agenda.
“He earned the respect of major institutions and represented our nation with dignity” he noted.
As Liberia positions itself on the international stage once again, the rekindled dialogue with Washington marks a critical step in Boakai’s foreign policy roadmap.
