The governments of Liberia and South Korea marked the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a grand ceremony held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (EJS) Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on November 10, 2024. The event was graced by high-level officials, diplomats, and representatives from various sectors, reflecting on the enduring and evolving partnership between the two nations.
The ceremony was highlighted by a keynote address from Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who stressed the need to redefine the relationship between Liberia and South Korea to better address the challenges of the present and future. Foreign Minister Nyanti underscored the importance of leveraging the shared history of the two countries to foster a stronger and more dynamic bilateral partnership.
In her remarks, Foreign Minister Nyanti noted that the 60th anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate past achievements but also an opportunity to chart a new course for the relationship between Liberia and South Korea. She emphasized the significance of building on the foundations of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations.
“The ties that bind Liberia and South Korea have stood the test of time,” Foreign Minister Nyanti stated. “As we celebrate this milestone, it is crucial that we reflect on our shared history to shape a future that brings tangible benefits to our citizens. We must redefine our partnership to address emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities for mutual growth and development.”
The Dean of the Cabinet also reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to supporting peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing that Liberia stands with South Korea in its pursuit of stability and security in the region.
On behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Foreign Minister Nyanti expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of South Korea for their unwavering support in Liberia’s development journey over the past six decades. She highlighted South Korea’s contributions in various sectors, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure development, which have played a significant role in enhancing the lives of Liberians.
Foreign Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s readiness to collaborate with South Korea in exploring new areas of cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and innovation. She called on both nations to harness their shared values and aspirations to create a partnership that not only benefits their respective economies but also contributes to regional and global peace and prosperity.
“The next chapter of our relationship must be defined by innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to the progress of our peoples,” Foreign Minister Nyanti concluded. “Let us work together to ensure that the bonds of friendship between Liberia and South Korea continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.”
“South Korea has been a consistent partner in our development agenda, providing critical assistance and expertise in areas that have transformed our communities and strengthened our economy,” Minister Nyanti noted. “We look forward to deepening this collaboration, especially in sectors like technology, agriculture, and human capital development, as we work together to achieve sustainable development.”
South Korean Ambassador to Liberia, Pankyu Kim, expressed his delight at celebrating this significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. He described the 60th anniversary as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership that has developed between the two countries over the past six decades.
Ambassador Kim highlighted the robust economic ties and cultural exchanges that have flourished between Liberia and South Korea. He noted that the relationship has evolved from mere diplomatic exchanges to a comprehensive partnership encompassing economic cooperation, capacity building, and people-to-people connections.
“Our partnership with Liberia has grown in depth and breadth, encompassing various sectors such as agriculture, education, and trade,” Ambassador Kim said. “We have witnessed remarkable progress in our bilateral ties, and as we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, rooted in our shared history and mutual aspirations.”
The South Korean Ambassador underscored the significant impact of South Korean expertise in Liberia’s agricultural sector, where the introduction of new technologies and farming techniques has led to increased productivity and improved livelihoods for many Liberian farmers. He reiterated his government’s commitment to further strengthening this partnership, with a focus on promoting economic growth and sustainable development in Liberia.
“As we move forward, South Korea remains dedicated to supporting Liberia’s development agenda,” Ambassador Kim added. “We are committed to exploring new avenues of collaboration, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and capacity building, to help drive Liberia’s economic growth and enhance the well-being of its people.”
The 60th anniversary celebration was marked not only by speeches and official statements but also by vibrant cultural performances, showcasing the rich heritage of both nations. The National Cultural Troupe of Liberia delighted the audience with traditional dances and music, highlighting the diverse cultural expressions of Liberia. The performances were met with enthusiastic applause, reflecting the audience’s appreciation for the artistic display of Liberia’s cultural identity.
Adding an international flair to the event, Korean singer Shin Yujin and the musical group Daehan Saram took the stage, captivating the audience with a blend of Korean traditional music and modern pop songs. Their performances symbolized the strong cultural ties and mutual appreciation that have developed between the peoples of Liberia and South Korea over the years.
The cultural performances underscored the spirit of unity and shared celebration that defined the event, highlighting how cultural exchanges have played a key role in fostering deeper understanding and friendship between the two countries.
As the ceremony concluded, both Minister Nyanti and Ambassador Kim expressed optimism about the future of Liberia-South Korea relations. They acknowledged the significant progress made over the past 60 years and emphasized the importance of continuing to build on this foundation to address emerging global challenges together.
