Washington D.C., October 14, 2025 — Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gabriel H. Salee, assured staff at the Liberian Embassy in Washington D.C. that the welfare of foreign service officers is a top priority for the Government of Liberia. He spoke at a meeting with His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh and the embassy’s diplomatic and local staff.
The meeting, held in the embassy’s conference room, was part of Minister Salee’s official tour to assess the operational conditions of Liberia’s missions in the United States. Addressing the gathering, Minister Salee emphasized that despite ongoing budgetary constraints, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was committed to ensuring that salaries and rents for foreign service agents are delivered promptly and without disruption.
“Our diplomats are the face of Liberia abroad. Their welfare is not just a matter of policy—it is a matter of national pride,” Minister Salee declared. “We are doing everything possible to ensure that their needs are met and their service is honored.”
Minister Salee used the occasion to highlight the government’s strategic shift toward economic diplomacy as a cornerstone of Liberia’s foreign policy agenda. He explained that the country’s diplomatic missions are being empowered to play a more active role in attracting investment, fostering trade partnerships, and promoting Liberia’s economic interests on the global stage.
“Economic diplomacy is not just a buzzword—it is our pathway to sustainable development,” Salee stated. “Our embassies must be equipped and motivated to serve as economic outposts that drive growth and opportunity for our people.”
The Deputy Minister’s remarks come at a time when Liberia is seeking to expand its global footprint, particularly following its recent election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Salee commended Ambassador Conteh and his team for their instrumental role in securing this prestigious position, which he described as a “historic achievement for Liberia’s international standing.”
Earlier in the meeting, Ambassador Conteh welcomed Minister Salee and provided a candid overview of the challenges facing the embassy. These included logistical constraints, staffing gaps, and the need for improved coordination with the Ministry in Monrovia. He urged the Deputy Minister to take these concerns seriously and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
“Our mission here is vital, but we cannot succeed without the necessary support,” Ambassador Conteh said. “I encourage you to listen to the voices of our staff and help us build a stronger, more effective embassy.”
Ambassador Conteh presented to Minister Salee for onward presentation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's Sr. And Foreign Minister , Her Excellency, Sara Beysolow-Nyanti the 2025/26 Strategic Plan of the Embassy. The plan, which is the first of its kind ever was developed by the Ambassador and validated by the staff of the Washington Mission..
Minister Salee thanked the Ambassador for developing a strategic operational blueprint for the Washington Mission and promised to deliver copies to the President and Foreign Minister. He hoped that other Missions would emulate the enviable example of the DC Mission. The Deputy Minister then responded to the concerns of the Ambassador and the staff and resolved engaging directly with staff members to hear their concerns. The dialogue was marked by openness and mutual respect, with staffers expressing appreciation for the Deputy Minister’s visit and pledging renewed commitment to their duties.
The meeting concluded on a hopeful note, with embassy staff reaffirming their dedication to serving Liberia with professionalism and integrity. Minister Salee praised their resilience and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their roles as representatives of the nation.
“You are not just employees—you are ambassadors of our values, our culture, and our aspirations,” he said. “Together, we will continue to elevate Liberia’s presence on the world stage.”
As Liberia navigates the complexities of global diplomacy, the visit by Deputy Minister Salee signals a renewed focus on empowering its foreign service officers and leveraging the engagements of Liberia’s foreign missions for national development.
Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr.
Minister Counselor
Press and Public Affairs
Embassy of Liberia
Washington D.C.
USA
press@liberianembassyus.org
202-723-0437
612-239-8051.(cell)
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