NATIONAL NEWS
ETHOPIA – Liberia has recorded two major diplomatic gains at the ongoing African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, strengthening bilateral cooperation with Egypt while formally establishing diplomatic relations with Seychelles.
The Government of Liberia and the Government of Egypt signed a Memorandum of Understanding on diplomatic training and academic exchange on February 15, 2026.
The agreement was executed by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty.
The MoU creates a partnership between the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute of Liberia and Egypt’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies, focusing on diplomatic training, academic exchanges, joint research, and professional collaboration aimed at strengthening Liberia’s diplomatic capacity.
During the signing ceremony, the two ministers reflected on longstanding Liberia–Egypt relations. Minister Abdelatty conveyed greetings from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, congratulating Liberia on its election to the United Nations Security Council and expressing confidence in the country’s leadership in advancing Africa’s interests.
Bilateral discussions highlighted priorities including military, police, and intelligence cooperation, as well as collaboration in energy, food security, diplomacy, and political consultations to coordinate African positions at the United Nations and strengthen bilateral engagement.
Minister Nyanti welcomed Egypt’s proposals, thanked Cairo for supporting Liberia’s successful UNSC bid, and proposed convening a Liberia–Egypt Business Forum alongside a possible state visit by President Boakai—an idea positively received by the Egyptian side.
As immediate outcomes, Egypt committed to sponsoring five Liberians for diplomatic training, while talks will continue toward a proposed August state visit by President Boakai and an April signing of a Joint Commission Agreement.
In a separate development on February 13, Liberia and the Republic of Seychelles formally established diplomatic relations during the 39th Session of the AU Assembly.
Minister Nyanti expressed appreciation to Seychelles for supporting Liberia’s UNSC election and for cooperation in multilateral forums.
Seychelles’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Barry Faure, described the moment as historic, noting that the establishment of ties coincides with the 50th anniversary of his country’s independence.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, tourism, education and training, and political consultations.
The twin diplomatic milestones underscore a broader foreign policy push by President Boakai’s administration to forge new international partnerships while strengthening existing alliances across Africa.
