By Amos Harris
In a significant address at the revitalized Ambassadorial Lecture and Seminar Series, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., articulated a comprehensive foreign policy vision for Liberia, anchored in his administration’s ARREST Agenda. Speaking at the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, President Boakai emphasized the crucial roles of diplomacy, economic advancement, regional collaboration, and enhanced global relevance in Liberia’s international engagements.
Marking his inaugural presidential visit to the institute, President Boakai acknowledged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and commended the institute’s enduring legacy in shaping Liberia’s diplomatic corps since its establishment in 1951.
In his keynote address, “The ARREST Agenda and Liberia’s Foreign Policy Initiatives,” President Boakai reflected on Liberia’s distinguished diplomatic history, from safeguarding its sovereignty during the colonial era to its pivotal role in founding the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations. He paid tribute to Liberia’s historical contributions, including its challenge to Apartheid South Africa at the International Court of Justice and the election of Angie Brooks Randolph as the first female African President of the UN General Assembly.
“Our diplomacy has consistently exceeded expectations,” President Boakai affirmed, highlighting Liberia’s leadership in critical continental and global initiatives. He cited the 1959 Sanniquellie Conference, the Monrovia and Lagos Conferences, and Liberia’s drafting of the OAU Charter as pivotal moments in African unity and independence.
However, President Boakai also acknowledged the profound damage inflicted by 14 years of civil conflict, which left Liberia with shattered institutions, severely compromised social services, and widespread unemployment. “This Administration has inherited fractured systems,” he stated, “but we are diligently working to restore hope, rebuild institutions, and stimulate growth.”
Central to this reconstruction effort is the ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism. President Boakai announced the establishment of the National Tourism Authority and reiterated the importance of food security, agricultural modernization, and value-added exports.
He called for a recalibration of Liberia’s foreign policy to address evolving global dynamics, including the strategic deployment of skilled diplomats, cultural diplomacy, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges.
The President emphasized the necessity of bilateral and multilateral partnerships aligned with Liberia’s development objectives and reaffirmed Liberia’s pursuit of a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Regarding regional cooperation, President Boakai underscored the significance of Liberia’s Strategic Framework for Regional Security, particularly in light of the ongoing Sahel crisis. “We must develop robust security mechanisms while strengthening regional cooperation,” he urged, advocating for joint border management, intelligence sharing, and economic development in vulnerable areas.
Furthermore, he outlined plans to modernize infrastructure, including port facilities and transportation corridors, through strategic partnerships and reduced reliance on foreign aid. President Boakai affirmed that Liberia will pursue public-private partnerships, investment protections, and trade promotion strategies to stimulate cross-border commerce.
President Boakai asserted that Liberia’s foreign policy must be realigned to meet contemporary challenges while maintaining its commitment to principles of peaceful coexistence, good neighborliness, and strategic international engagement.
“The ARREST Agenda provides a blueprint,” he concluded. “With dedicated leadership and the support of our people, Liberia can reclaim its rightful place as a champion of freedom, diplomacy, and sustainable development on the global stage.”
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