WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 24, 2026 — The Republic of Liberia and the State of Maryland today signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking the beginning of an official nation-to-state partnership. Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, signed on behalf of the Liberian government, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed for the State of Maryland.
The signing ceremony brought together former Maryland state senators and government officials. Sebastian Teclar, President of the Liberian Association of the DC-Metro, Maryland, and Virginia areas, witnessed the colorful occasion alongside members of his leadership team.
Minister Nyanti began the proceedings by joyfully extending warm greetings and best wishes from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. She stated that the signing of the memorandum marks the reaffirmation of a relationship stretching back nearly two centuries, rooted in a shared history, common aspirations, and enduring bonds.
The Foreign Minister noted that the State of Maryland occupies a special place in Liberia’s national history, pointing out that the settlement which eventually became Maryland County in Liberia traces its origins directly to the Maryland State Colonization Society. In modern times, she noted, these bonds have been continually strengthened through sister-state relationships between the State of Maryland and the Liberian counties of Bong and Maryland. This history demonstrates the power of subnational diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding, educational exchanges, development cooperation, and active 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. Minister Nyanti emphasized that this partnership aligns closely with Liberia’s national development blueprint, known as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. The agreement establishes a forward-looking framework for cooperation across key sectors including trade, investment, education, agriculture, technology, infrastructure, and human capital development. It reflects a shared commitment to creating new opportunities for prosperity and sustainable development for the benefit of both populations.
For his part, Maryland’s first Black governor, Wes Moore, began by congratulating Liberia on its election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member, stating that it was long overdue for Liberia’s voice to be heard on such a global platform.
Governor Moore reflected on the historical ties between the two regions, noting that in 1834, free Black men and women fled dehumanizing conditions in the United States to find a new home in Liberia. He highlighted that the second President of Liberia, Stephen Allen Benson, was born unto free parents in Cambridge, Maryland, and traveled to Liberia in the pursuit of true freedom.
The Governor emphasized that this MOU is the first of its kind between the State of Maryland and any African nation. He outlined that the agreement will focus on four major pillars: trade, education, public health, and civic exchange. Governor Moore averred that these pillars will deliver real projects in real-time with tangible results.
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 both regions.
Minister Nyanti was accompanied to the signing by a high-level Liberian delegation, including Liberia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh; the Assistant Minister for American Affairs, Christiana Konneh; the Minister Counselor for Political and Diaspora Affairs, Charles H.V. Allen; and the Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs, Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr. The delegation also included First Secretary Isaac Zally Jr. and the Executive Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephanie Wesseh.
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