NATIONAL NEWS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has held a meeting at the White House with Dr. Paula White-Cain, Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump’s White House Faith Office, as his administration continues efforts to strengthen Liberia’s longstanding relationship with the United States.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The September 18, 2026 engagement focused on faith, leadership and the historic ties between Liberia and the United States, while providing an opportunity for President Boakai to underscore Liberia’s interest in partnerships that advance peace, stability and national development.
“Liberia deeply values its historic relationship with the United States. We remain committed to strengthening this partnership for the benefit of our people,” President Boakai said during the meeting.
White-Cain, who recently visited Liberia, described the engagement with President Boakai as a significant occasion, saying it was a “tremendous honor” to welcome the Liberian leader and his delegation to the White House.
She said the meeting was particularly meaningful following her July visit to Liberia, where she said she developed a deep affection for the country and its people. White-Cain described Boakai as a respected leader and friend and said their discussions centered on faith, leadership and the longstanding friendship between Liberia and the United States.
Her visit to Liberia came during the country’s 179th Independence Anniversary celebrations in July 2026. She served as a special guest of the Liberian government and delivered the sermon at the national Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
During that service, White-Cain reflected on Liberia’s history of conflict, political transitions, economic difficulties and public health emergencies, while highlighting the country’s resilience.
She also called on Liberia’s leaders to place greater emphasis on humility, integrity, accountability and public service, while encouraging increased investment in the country’s young population.
Her relationship with Liberia was further strengthened on July 27, when President Boakai conferred upon her the Grand Band of the Order of the Star of Africa, one of Liberia’s highest national honors.
The Liberian government said the honor recognized White-Cain’s longstanding religious and humanitarian engagement with Liberia and the wider African continent.
The latest White House meeting builds on the relationship established during her Liberia visit and gives President Boakai another platform to engage a senior figure connected to the Trump administration on issues of interest to Liberia.
According to the Liberian government, the engagement is expected to support discussions around faith-based development, humanitarian assistance, education and stronger people-to-people relations between Liberia and the United States.
The meeting also comes as President Boakai continues his diplomatic engagements in Washington, where his administration has been seeking to deepen cooperation with the United States in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure, energy, security, institutional development and other areas of mutual interest.
At the conclusion of the meeting, White-Cain thanked President Boakai for the hospitality extended to her during her visit to Liberia and praised what she described as his commitment to serving the Liberian people.
President Boakai attended the White House engagement with Foreign Minister and Dean of the Cabinet Sara Beysolow Nyanti; Director General of the Cabinet Nathaniel T. Kwabo; Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh; Executive Assistant to the President Morie Nemah; and Special Assistant to the President Louise Tamba.
The meeting further highlighted the longstanding historical connection between Liberia and the United States, while placing faith, leadership and people-to-people engagement among the areas through which both sides seek to maintain and deepen their relationship.
