IPNews-Accra-Ghana: French President Emmanuel Macron, has assured his Liberian counterpart President George Manneh Weah, of France’s commitment to see the cancelation of Liberia’s debts, including the International Monetary Fund-IMF, World Bank and other multilateral institutions.
President Macron stated that his government is committed to leading a strong effort to ensure the reduction through the cancellation of Liberia’s debt portfolio.
Speakng at a bilateral meeting with Liberia’s President George Manneh Weah, on the margins inauguration of the Ghanaian president, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves le Drain, stressed the importance of the strong ties that exist between their nations and discussed ways of improving the Franco-Liberian relationship.
Minister Le Drain thanked the Liberian government for its continuous efforts at consolidating the democratic gains the country has made under the Weah administration.
He cited the just-ended Senatorial election as a testament to the country’s strong democratic credentials.
The French diplomat also committed on behalf of his government and people, to make “significant” investments in Liberia, including support through the strong francophone bloc it has on the African continent.
The French Foreign Minister emphasized that the presence of Air France in Liberia is symbolic of the Franco-Liberian cooperation, which he said needs to be expanded. Also discussed was the need for “practical French support” to Liberia alongside the realm of multilateral institutions, such as the IMF.
While praising the Liberian government’s efforts at ensuring macroeconomic stability, Minister le Drain said that the country’s huge debt stock inherited by President Weah remains a huge constraint and an economic albatross hindering development.
On the security front, Foreign Minister le Drain and President Weah discussed the insurrection in the Sahel region of West Africa, Maritime security in the wake of an increase in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and Liberia’s role in Mali. They also explored enhanced security cooperation through a similar military pact the French have with Cote d’Ivoire. They agreed a firm commitment on this will be made when the Minister visits Liberia in April.
President Weah assured his French counterpart, Minister le Drain that both countries have the same desire to see peace in the region and therefore welcomed the possibility of collaboration on that front.
The Liberian leader informed the Minister that Liberia is taking “practical steps” to fight terrorism.
President Weah further highlighted the need for more support to the Armed Forces of Liberia and other security apparatuses. He said such support and cooperation should come in the form of training and logistical support.
