-As Foreign Minister Kemayah Discloses Plan of Liberia Reopening Embassy Near New Delhi
IPNEWS – Monrovia: Bilateral trade between Liberia and India seems to be surging as courteous relationship between both nations continues to be further strengthened and enhanced.
At a reception on Monday, August 15, 2022, to commemorate the 75th Independence Anniversary of India, Ambassador Pradip Kumar Yadav disclosed that so far the bilateral trade between both nations, during the year 2021-22, has gone up by a good US$35.65 million. He added: “Not only India’s exports to Liberia went up; Liberia’s exports to India also rose three-fold during the last year. We are working with different agencies to realize the full potential of India-Liberia bilateral trade.”
Amb. Yadav also highlighted how the Indian Embassy near Monrovia has been making best efforts to upgrade its nation’s bilateral relations with Liberia. “Post-Covid India has regained its place as a favored destination for affordable and quality higher education and medical treatment among the Liberians.”
“Recently, India has surpassed the gigantic figure of administering 2 billion Covid-19 vaccinations. India, through its indigenously developed Covaxin and Covishield vaccines, not only successfully controlled the spread of Covid-19 in India but also helped many friendly countries including Liberia with the supply of these vaccines and other medical supplies.”
Further highlighting the good and courteous relationship subsisting between both nations, Amb. Yadav disclosed that a 14-member Liberian Chess Team, which included three young school girls, just returned from India after participating in the 44th Chess Olympiad. “Recently two officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia have returned from India after attending specialized military training. More officers are expected to avail such trainings later this year. Four Liberian students would leave for India soon on fully paid scholarships for undergraduate and post-graduate courses in renowned universities under the Africa Scholarship Scheme. The Government of India has also granted an all-time high 70-fully paid scholarship under the India Technical and Economic Cooperation Program (ITEC). The Government of India is fully committed to the capacity building of Liberian students, government officials and others. From time to time our Government has also extended various Grants and Gifts to the friendly Liberia in cash and kind.”
Also speaking at the occasion, Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. mentioned how pleased Liberia is with the growing strength of the bilateral relations between Liberia and India; adding, “which continues to be traditionally strong, cordial and friendly. Our bond of friendship dates back to the 1900’s when Indian nationals searching for business opportunities outside of their homeland entered Liberia as a friendly and receptive environment to explore business and other opportunities. Since the establishment of our friendly ties, both countries have developed much closer and extensive cooperation in trade, para-military and strategic fields.”
“We deeply appreciate, and are grateful for India’s enormous assistance to the Government and people of Liberia in a wide range of areas; including, but not limited to education, health, security and transportation, all geared towards enhancing the development initiatives of the Liberian Government.”
Foreign Minister Kemayah used the occasion to disclose the Liberian Government’s commitment to reopening its embassy near New Delhi in the foreseeable future to further promote both nations’ relations at a higher pace.
The Foreign Minister went on to further than the Government and Peoples of India for their role in helping to bring peace to Liberia. “The Government and people of Liberia take note of, and recognize India’s contribution towards the restoration of Liberia’s peace, security, stability and democracy; amongst other things, by deploying an all-women police unit of the UNMIL peacekeeping force in Liberia. In addition to making history as the first all women police unit of India in the UNMIL Peacekeeping operations in Liberia; the first of its kind in peacekeeping operations in the United Nations, India facilitated Liberian women’s involvement in policing and law enforcement.”
Mr. Kemayah then pledged Liberia’s unfaltering support to upholding and enhancing the good relationship between the two countries and peoples, and look forward to exploring more productive and beneficial areas of cooperation between our two countries and peoples.
“We also reaffirm the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to the continuous protection of the over 2,000 Indian nationals residing in Liberia, and the creation of an enabling business environment.”
