Minister Piah confirmed that the invitation to President Boakai came directly from the office of Donald Trump and described it as a significant opportunity for Liberia.
Monrovia – The Government of Liberia has confirmed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is among five African leaders invited to a high-level summit hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The summit is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. from July 9 to 11.
By Augustus D.R. Bortue
Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah made the confirmation on Thursday, July 3, during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) in Monrovia.
“Yes, President Boakai and four other African Presidents have been invited by President Trump to attend the high-level summit,” Minister Piah said. “We don’t have much detail to provide at the moment because the U.S., through its Department of State, will be releasing additional information.”
The summit is being organized in collaboration with the U.S. State Department and the respective embassies. It is expected to focus on commercial diplomacy, regional security, and strategic resource partnerships.
Minister Piah confirmed that the invitation to President Boakai came directly from the office of Donald Trump and described it as a significant opportunity for Liberia.
The four other African leaders invited to attend the summit are President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Responding to criticisms surrounding President Boakai’s participation, Minister Piah urged Liberians to view the invitation as a national achievement rather than a partisan issue.
“Liberia is fortunate to be among the five African countries invited. This is good news, and we should celebrate it,” he said. “Leave the President alone — it is our country that has been invited. Because you may not like the President does not mean Liberia should not be part of such an important engagement.”
President Boakai is expected to depart for Washington in the coming days as part of Liberia’s participation in the summit. Further details about the summit’s agenda and objectives are expected from the U.S. government ahead of the event.
