LIBERIA: EU Pledges Support To Resuscitate Liberia’s Economy

Amid the constraints facing the Liberian economy, the European Union (EU) has pledged its firm support to the resuscitation of the economy in order to foster a better living condition for the citizenry.

“We stand ready to support Liberia’s efforts to build a solid and stable economy, as well as to foster an enabling business and investment environment,” said EU Head of Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Hélène Cavé.

Speaking during the celebration of the EU Day on Thursday in Monrovia, Cavé further promised on behalf of the EU to support the peace-building and development efforts of Liberia in order to strengthen peace, stability and infrastructural development.

“The European Union and its Member States will support the implementation of the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, and align our development programs with the PAPD,” said Cavé.

“This is why, as a strong multilateral partner to Liberia, the EU continues to remind all stakeholders of the importance of a constructive dialogue that will address the country’s problems,” noted Cavé.

She, however, indicated that there’s still a way to go in order to consolidate peace and stability, urging Liberians to work in this direction.

She stressed that all of the efforts toward peace-building and development cannot succeed in a negatively charged political environment, citing: “This is why, as a strong multilateral partner to Liberia, the EU continues to remind all stakeholders of the importance of a constructive dialogue that will address the country’s problems.”

“Liberia has come a long way in the last years, and this is recognized by all. The democratic and peaceful handover of power following the 2017 elections and UNMIL’s withdrawal were possible thanks to the sustained efforts of all Liberians,” noted Cavé.

She further reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continually support Liberia’s efforts to protect human rights, fight sexual and gender-based violence, and promote gender equality and women empowerment.

She pledged the European Union’s support to the excellent work being done by the UN Country Team and ECOWAS and African Union Missions in Liberia, extolling the three institutions for their constant work in support of Liberia’s peace-building and development efforts.

In a related development, the European Union (EU) has assured its effort to work with African partners to better manage migration under the principles of solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility through an integrated approach.

The EU Ambassador to Liberia, Hélène Cavé, recognized Africa as a fundamental and long-standing partner of the Union, citing that positive change is happening in many parts of Africa.

She expressed satisfaction over the form and manner in which the EU is contributing to the growth and development of the African continent, adding: “We are proud to support and encourage it.”

Cavé revealed that nine of the European Union Peace Missions are deployed in Africa or off its shores, stressing that the EU has agreed with the African Union to step up cooperation on peace, security and governance to a new strategic level.

“We are supporting our African partners as they take greater responsibility for peace and security on their continent,” she stressed.

“The European Union believes that Africa is a continent of opportunities. We have set up the Africa-Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs, to attract more private investment to Africa and to create the needed jobs,” Ambassador Cavé noted.

According to the EU official, the Cotonou Agreement framing the relations between the EU and 79 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) will come to an end in 2020, and a new agreement is currently being negotiated.

He further revealed that the Cotonou Agreement will be modernised and will improve EU, Africa cooperation, in order to better address our mutual challenges and interests together, in a spirit of true partnership.

“It is our collective responsibility to work towards a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world for present and future generations,” Cavé emphasized.

LINA

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