The Liberian leader praised President Erdoğan’s personal commitment to Liberia over the years, noting that the relationship between the two countries has reached a stage where it can be elevated into a stronger and more structured partnership capable of producing measurable development outcomes
MONROVIA – President Joseph Boakai has called for a significant expansion of relations between Liberia and the Republic of Türkiye, proposing a broad strategic partnership centered on trade, investment, infrastructure, education, aviation, defense, and diplomatic cooperation.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
During a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Türkiye and transforming the long-standing friendship between the two countries into a results-driven partnership that delivers tangible benefits for both nations.
Opening the high-level meeting, President Boakai thanked President Erdoğan for the warm reception accorded to him and the Liberian delegation. He conveyed greetings from the Liberian people and expressed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued support to Liberia in key sectors, including education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, and institutional capacity building.
The Liberian leader praised President Erdoğan’s personal commitment to Liberia over the years, noting that the relationship between the two countries has reached a stage where it can be elevated into a stronger and more structured partnership capable of producing measurable development outcomes.
A major focus of President Boakai’s presentation was the establishment of permanent diplomatic missions in both countries. He welcomed Türkiye’s decision to begin the process of opening a resident embassy in Monrovia, describing the initiative as an important milestone that will deepen diplomatic engagement, improve investment opportunities, strengthen development cooperation, and expand consular services.
President Boakai also announced Liberia’s intention to establish a resident embassy in Türkiye or, as an initial measure, open a Consulate General. He appealed for President Erdoğan’s support in facilitating that process, emphasizing that resident diplomatic missions in both capitals would create a stronger institutional framework for trade, tourism, education, cultural exchanges, and government-to-government cooperation.
President Boakai also announced Liberia’s intention to establish a resident embassy in Türkiye or, as an initial measure, open a Consulate General. He appealed for President Erdoğan’s support in facilitating that process, emphasizing that resident diplomatic missions in both capitals would create a stronger institutional framework for trade, tourism, education, cultural exchanges, and government-to-government cooperation
The Liberian President further proposed the creation of a Joint Cooperation Framework that would guide bilateral relations through clearly identified priority projects, designated focal points, and regular monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of agreed initiatives.
Among Liberia’s highest priorities, President Boakai highlighted the importance of establishing direct Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Monrovia. He thanked President Erdoğan for personally facilitating the visit of a Turkish Airlines delegation to Liberia and described the proposed air connection as a transformative development for both countries.
According to President Boakai, direct flights would significantly increase trade, encourage tourism, promote business opportunities, strengthen diplomatic relations, and position Liberia as a strategic gateway to West Africa. He therefore urged President Erdoğan to support efforts aimed at ensuring the early commencement of Turkish Airlines operations in Liberia.
The Liberian leader also expressed his government’s readiness to explore a partnership with Türkiye to modernize Roberts International Airport. He acknowledged Türkiye’s internationally recognized expertise in airport management and invited both the Turkish Government and private investors to participate in upgrading Liberia’s main international airport into a modern regional aviation hub capable of supporting increased commercial and passenger traffic.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently during the discussions. President Boakai requested a landmark development project through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), identifying the construction of the road linking 12th Street in Sinkor to Somalia Drive as one of Liberia’s most urgent infrastructure priorities.
He explained that the proposed road project would ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic activities, improve transportation, and serve as a lasting symbol of the enduring friendship between Liberia and Türkiye.
President Boakai used the meeting to reaffirm that Liberia remains open to foreign investment and encouraged Turkish companies to explore opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, energy, housing, road construction, bridge development, ports, manufacturing, mining support services, and tourism.
To strengthen private sector engagement, he proposed the establishment of a Liberia–Türkiye Business Council that would facilitate cooperation between businesses from both countries and help translate investment interest into concrete economic partnerships.
The President also underscored Liberia’s interest in expanding educational and healthcare cooperation with Türkiye. While acknowledging Türkiye’s longstanding scholarship programs for Liberian students, he called for increased collaboration in technical and vocational education, university partnerships, teacher training, hospital modernization, medical equipment supply, and specialist medical training.
Additionally, President Boakai welcomed the possibility of greater engagement with Liberia’s educational sector through the Maarif Foundation, expressing confidence that such cooperation would contribute to improving educational standards and creating greater opportunities for young Liberians.
Among Liberia’s highest priorities, President Boakai highlighted the importance of establishing direct Turkish Airlines flights between Istanbul and Monrovia. He thanked President Erdoğan for personally facilitating the visit of a Turkish Airlines delegation to Liberia and described the proposed air connection as a transformative development for both countries
On security matters, President Boakai proposed stronger defense cooperation between the two countries. He said Liberia would welcome Turkish support in professional military training, peacekeeping preparation, logistics, intelligence cooperation, and the provision of appropriate defense equipment to strengthen national security and improve border protection.
The Liberian President also appealed for practical visa facilitation measures to make travel easier for Liberian citizens, particularly those who already possess valid United States, Schengen, or other internationally recognized visas. He noted that easier visa access would encourage business, tourism, educational exchanges, and closer people-to-people relations between Liberia and Türkiye.
President Boakai reaffirmed Liberia’s appreciation for President Erdoğan’s leadership and friendship, expressing optimism that the discussions would usher in a new era of cooperation.
He said his administration is prepared to move swiftly in implementing agreed initiatives and expressed hope that the relationship between Liberia and Türkiye would be defined by the opening of resident embassies, the launch of direct commercial flights, increased investments, and the successful implementation of major development projects that will benefit both countries for years to come.
The two leaders met at the Vahdettin Pavilion before holding bilateral talks.
Türkiye’s Communications Director Burhanettin Duran and Erdogan’s chief foreign policy and security adviser Akif Cagatay Kilic also attended the meeting with the West African leader.
Erdogan said during the meeting that it would be “beneficial for us to continue taking steps to evaluate the trade volume potential of the two countries,” according to a statement from the Directorate of Communications.
He added that Türkiye would work to strengthen cooperation with Liberia in areas such as defense industry, security, education, and transportation.
The Turkish president also congratulated Boakai on Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
