By Amos Harris
Liberia’s international profile has received a significant boost following President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s recent high-level diplomatic mission to the United States, a visit government officials have described as “strategic and transformative.”
Addressing journalists at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, July 10, 2025, Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, hailed the trip as a landmark moment in Liberia’s foreign policy and development agenda.
“This visit was not just ceremonial; it was productive and highly rewarding,” Minister Piah said. “President Boakai was among only five African leaders selected for a high-level dialogue with the United States, which reflects the global respect Liberia commands today.”
According to the Minister, President Boakai’s U.S. itinerary included key meetings with senior officials at the U.S. State Department, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), among other institutions. “These engagements focused on Liberia’s development priorities: economic recovery, infrastructure, governance, and long-term stability,” Piah explained.
Minister Piah used the briefing to clarify public concerns surrounding the status of the MCC Compact, a multi-million-dollar U.S. government aid initiative. Contrary to rumors of its cancellation, he confirmed that the Compact is under review, not scrapped. “Our Finance Minister made a strong case for Liberia’s performance,” Piah stated. “We received firm assurances that while disbursements may be delayed, the Compact remains on the table. Liberia has met critical thresholds, and we are confident the process will move forward.”
One of the most consequential outcomes of President Boakai’s visit, according to Piah, is the revival of the U.S.–Liberia Partnership Dialogue. The bilateral mechanism, which has not convened since 2013, is set to resume in Washington in the coming months. “This is a major diplomatic win,” the Minister emphasized. “The platform allows both countries to engage on issues of mutual concern, from trade and security to governance and education; it institutionalizes the relationship.”
Minister Piah also disclosed that immigration was high on the President’s U.S. agenda. He noted that Liberia acknowledged challenges related to the misuse of visa programs by some of its citizens, which have at times strained diplomatic ties. “We engaged in frank and responsible discussions with U.S. officials to address these issues,” he said. “We made it clear that the actions of a few should not undermine the rights of law-abiding Liberians. We’re committed to cooperation on immigration reform.”
In what could mark a turning point for Liberia’s resource sector, Minister Piah announced that the U.S. government has pledged support for a comprehensive geological survey of Liberia. “This is a potentially game-changing development,” he said. “We may be sitting on billions of dollars’ worth of untapped mineral resources. With accurate data from this survey, we can attract credible investors and develop the sector responsibly.”
Addressing social media criticism about President Boakai’s accent and delivery during public remarks in the U.S., Piah came to the President’s defense, calling such commentary misplaced and unproductive. “The President was articulate, clear, and compelling in every meeting,” the Minister asserted. “He represented Liberia with dignity and substance. What matters is the outcomes, not the tone of voice.”
He added that U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, commended Liberia’s leadership, particularly its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, which he said underscores the nation’s rising global influence.
Minister Piah confirmed that President Boakai is scheduled to return to Liberia on Friday, July 11, 2025. A high-level welcome ceremony will be held at Roberts International Airport, where the President is expected to brief the nation on the outcomes of his visit. “When the President returns, it will not just be as a head of state, but as a leader who has elevated Liberia’s standing on the global stage,” Piah declared.
In closing, Minister Piah emphasized that Liberia’s relationship with the United States is stronger than ever and built on values that transcend political administrations. “Our partnership with the U.S. is not limited to any single government; it is based on shared democratic ideals and strategic interests,” he said. “This visit proves that under President Boakai’s leadership, Liberia is reclaiming its place in global affairs.”
The President’s U.S. mission, according to analysts, signals a renewed era in Liberian diplomacy—one grounded in strategic engagement, development partnerships, and institutional cooperation. With renewed international visibility and growing trust from global partners, Liberia’s foreign policy is being reshaped under President Boakai’s leadership, restoring confidence, building bridges, and unlocking potential for transformative development.