NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are seeking to strengthen strategic cooperation on peace, security, climate change and natural resource governance following high-level talks between the two countries’ foreign ministers in Monrovia.
By: Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, on Tuesday received her Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing shared African priorities at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Minister Nyanti highlighted the importance of cooperation among African members of the Security Council, known as the A3, and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment as a non-permanent member.
A key focus of the discussions was a joint Liberia-DRC initiative aimed at addressing the links between climate change, natural resources and conflict.
She recalled that during Liberia’s campaign for a seat on the Security Council, both countries agreed to work towards a resolution addressing the impact of natural resource extraction on peace, security and the environment in resource-rich African nations.
“Liberia stands ready and fully committed to working with the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said, adding that Africa’s natural resources should serve as a source of opportunity, empowerment and regional cooperation, particularly for the continent’s youth.
For her part, Minister Wagner said her visit was intended to strengthen coordination among African countries serving on the Security Council and review ongoing and upcoming A3 initiatives.
She said the proposed resolution on natural resources, climate and conflict should be championed by Presidents Joseph Boakai and Félix Tshisekedi, and disclosed that the DRC will host a series of high-level events on the issue in July, with discussions expected to continue during Liberia’s presidency of the Security Council in December.
Beyond Security Council cooperation, the two ministers discussed expanding bilateral ties through a proposed joint commission to review collaboration in mining, health, agriculture, transport and diplomatic representation.
Minister Nyanti also stressed the need to improve transport links between Liberia and the DRC, while Minister Wagner described her visit as a significant step in reviving relations between the two countries, noting that the last visit by a Congolese foreign minister to Liberia took place nearly three decades ago.
She emphasized the historic relationship between Liberia and the DRC, which dates back to 1966, and said she looked forward to further exchanges aimed at advancing the two countries’ shared African aspirations.
