The Republic of Liberia and the State of Maryland today signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding marking the beginning of an official Nation and city State relationship. Liberia's Foreign Minister, Her Excellency, Sara Beysolow-Nyanti signed on behalf of the government of Liberia while Maryland Governor, Wes Moore signed for the state of Maryland.
The program brought together former Maryland State Senators and officials. The President of the Liberian Association of the DC-Metro, Maryland and Virginia areas, Sebastian Teclar and and some members of his leadership team witnessed the colorful occasion.
Minister Nyanti began by joyfully extending warm greetings and best wishes from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr saying the signing of the Memorandum marks the reaffirmation of a relationship that stretched back nearly two centuries and rooted in a shared history, common aspirations and enduring bonds.
Minister Nyanti noted that the State of Maryland occupies a special place in Liberia’s national history. She said the settlement that became Maryland county in Liberia traces its origin from the Maryland State Colonization society. Her Excellency Minister noted that in modern times, the bonds have been strengthened through Sister-State relationship between the state of Maryland and the counties of Bong and Maryland, demonstrating the power of substantial diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, educational exchanges, development cooperation and community engagement. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a historic new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the Republic of Liberia and the State of Maryland—a relationship rooted in nearly two centuries of shared history, friendship, and enduring people-to-people ties.
The Liberian Foreign Minister pointed out " importantly, this partnership aligns closely with Liberia’s national development blue print...the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.."
This Agreement establishes a forward-looking framework for cooperation in trade, investment, education, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and human capital development. It reflects our shared commitment to creating new opportunities for prosperity and sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples.
For his part, Maryland's first black Governor, Wes Moore began by congratulating Liberia on her election to UNSC as a non permanent member. He said Liberia’s it was long overdue for Liberia's voice to be heard on such a global platform.
Governor Moore said in 1834, free black men and women fled the US from dehumanizing conditions to find a new home in Liberia. The Governor emphasized that the MOU is the first in its kind between the state of Maryland and any African Nation.
He said the MOU will focus on four major pillars: Trade, Education, Public Health and Civic Exchange .
" These pillars will deliver real projects in real time and with tangible results ", Governor Moore averred.
The Government of Liberia highly values this landmark partnership and looks forward to working closely with the State of Maryland to deepen cooperation and strengthen the bonds that unite us all. Minister Nyanti was accompanied by Liberia’s Ambassador to the US, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Assistant Minister for American Affair Christiana Konneh, Minister Counselor for Political and Diaspora Affairs, Charles HV Allen and Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs, Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr. Others were, First Secretary. Isaac Zally Jr. And Executive Secretary to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephanie Wesseh.
Media Contact
Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr.
Minister Counselor
Press and Public Affairs
Embassy of Liberia
Washington D.C.
Press@liberianembassyus.org 202-723-0437
Cell: 612-239-8051
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