Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai and United States Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner have reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic and historical ties between Liberia and the United States.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
This marks a renewed chapter in the relationship based on mutual economic interest, trade, and investment. The remarks were delivered during a ceremony commemorating the 249th Independence Day of the United States, held at the James E. Pierre Banquet Hall in Monrovia.
The event, organized by the U.S. Embassy, brought together senior members of the Liberian government, including House Speaker Richard Koon, high-ranking cabinet officials, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society actors, and private sector representatives.
The occasion also featured the playing of the national anthems of both countries and underscored a spirit of partnership between two nations bound by deep historical roots.
In his keynote remarks, President Boakai paid tribute to the enduring U.S.-Liberia relationship, highlighting its origins in the settlement of freed African Americans in West Africa and the shared democratic values that have guided both countries for nearly two centuries.
“It is a great honor and pleasure to join you here today as the United States of America celebrates its 249th Independence Day — a day that marks not only the birth of a nation, but the birth of an enduring idea that freedom, democracy, and opportunity should be the bedrock upon which nations are built,” President Boakai began.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia, I bring warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the United States of America. May your nation continue to grow in strength, resilience, and unity.”
The Liberian leader used the platform to declare a new direction for Liberia’s foreign policy, which he said will now focus primarily on economic diplomacy. According to him, this shift is intended to deliver more measurable benefits to the Liberian people by attracting investment and increasing trade.
“Today, Liberia is charting a new course, one that places economic diplomacy at the center of our foreign policy agenda. We understand that diplomacy must do more than shape political relationships; it must also attract investment, expand trade, unlock opportunities, and bring tangible benefits to our people,” Boakai stated.
He emphasized that Liberia’s foreign engagement strategy is evolving beyond traditional political alliances to include robust commercial and investment partnerships. The president highlighted sectors such as energy, infrastructure, digital innovation, and agriculture as critical areas of focus for economic transformation.
“That is why we are building a foreign policy architecture that seeks not only to deepen political alliances, but also to create strategic economic partnerships. We aim to promote Liberia as a viable and attractive destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable development. And we are committed to creating a stable, transparent, and enabling environment for business,” he said.
President Boakai welcomed the recent shift in U.S. foreign policy, which is now placing emphasis on commercial diplomacy. He described this change as both timely and strategic, stating that it aligns seamlessly with Liberia’s domestic economic priorities.
“It is therefore encouraging to note that the United States, through its Department of State, has recently unveiled a new foreign policy orientation centered on commercial diplomacy, a shift that aims to harness diplomacy to advance U.S. economic interests abroad while strengthening mutual prosperity with partner countries,” President Boakai added.
“As our two nations align our foreign policy priorities toward shared economic goals, we find ourselves at a unique moment—one that offers the promise of deeper cooperation, increased investment, and shared growth,” President Boakai said.
“Let us seize this opportunity to build on the foundation of friendship that has endured for generations. Let us work together to create a future of mutual prosperity, where both our peoples can thrive.”
U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner, in his remarks, acknowledged the deep historical bond between the two countries and echoed President Boakai’s vision for a future rooted in shared economic prosperity.
Ambassador Toner emphasized that the United States is entering a new phase of its engagement with Africa, one that treats nations like Liberia as equal partners in trade and investment.
“We cherish this friendship and the strategic connection between the United States and Liberia. While the connection remains strong, I believe we are on the brink of a new and exciting period of our shared history,” Ambassador Toner stated.
“We are engaging African nations, including Liberia, not as aid recipients, but as capable, commercial, and economic partners.”
The ambassador further recognized Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, calling it a testament to Liberia’s growing role in global affairs and a reflection of its steady democratic progress.
He extended congratulations to President Boakai and his administration for leading the successful campaign, noting that Liberia’s presence on the Council would serve as a platform for advocating peace, human rights, and international cooperation.
Ambassador Toner also paid tribute to the contributions of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has supported Liberia’s development goals for over six decades.
“USAID has been a critical partner in Liberia’s post-war recovery and democratic consolidation,” he noted. “For 64 years, USAID has helped strengthen Liberia’s institutions, improve public health, support agriculture, and advance education and civil society.”
The celebration, while ceremonial in tone, signaled a substantive shift in bilateral relations. It emphasized a move away from aid dependency and toward a partnership model rooted in investment, innovation, and mutual prosperity. Both leaders expressed optimism about this new direction and urged stakeholders in both nations to seize the moment.
This year’s theme — transitioning from traditional aid frameworks to commercial and investment-led diplomacy — reflected both countries’ ambitions to redefine their relationship in a global economy that increasingly values shared economic interests.
