— Foreign Ministry Clarifies
The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said that it has not “strengthened” any diplomatic ties with Russia as it has been reported in the public, noting that there is no change in its bilateral relations with that Eastern European powerhouse.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to clarify the current state of Liberia’s relations with the Russian Federation,” a statement issued on Thursday said. “The Ministry wishes to inform the general public, media outlets, and international partners that at no point did the Government of Liberia issue a statement indicating a strengthening of bilateral relations with Russia.”
Liberia and Russia established bilateral relations in 1972 and, in the wake of the civil crisis in Liberia, Russia closed down its embassy.
The ministry noted that there is no change in the bilateral relations with Russia nor are there any plans on the Liberian side towards the same.
Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, recently participated in the international conference held in Russia as part of the African bloc pegged as the Russia-Africa Summit.
The conference, which brought together representatives from 50 African countries, served as a platform for dialogue on global economic and political issues between Russia and the continent, led by the Chairperson of the African Union with the Chairpersons of regional economic blocs, including the President of ECOWAS Commission.
The government noted in the statement that the presence of a Liberian delegation at this conference does not equate to a shift in the bilateral relations between Russia and Liberia.
However, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, disclosed plans to reopen the Russian Embassy in Liberia as part of a list of countries released at the opening of the Russia-Africa Summit.
But the Foreign Ministry statement disclosed that the current administration has not received any diplomatic communications regarding a request to reopen their embassy, nor have they gestured with the government of Liberia regarding strengthening relations.
“As a country vying to represent Africa through a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, we reaffirm our commitment to work with other African nations in promoting peace and development on the continent,” the statement pointed out. “It is within this context that Liberia participated as part of the African bloc of 50 countries.”
Liberia’s statement at the summit, the government noted, did indicate that “we are open to exchanges as Liberia never severed diplomatic relations with Russia.”
The Liberian delegation at that conference, however, stressed the need for non-interference in the ECOWAS region and to ensure that the region is not used for proxy wars, noting the current situation within the sub-region.
“As stated by our delegation, “our President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has been engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts aimed at strengthening ECOWAS, and ensuring that this regional bloc remains cohesive,” the ministry said. “Continuing in the same light, the statement also boldly stressed difficulties in resolving issues in the sub-region “because these conflicts have become more complicated and seemingly intractable, often influenced by proxy wars”.
Liberia’s statement also sought support for the African non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
“The Ministry also wants to inform Liberians that the President of Liberia is the Chief Architect of the Liberian foreign policy. At any such time that Russia presents Liberia with a diplomatic proposal for strengthening relations, the President of Liberia will decide the foreign policy direction,” it said. “The Ministry remains available for any inquiries or clarifications regarding Liberia’s foreign policy and international relations.”
