Liberia and Ireland have rekindled their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation, emphasizing trade and investment as well as driving democratic governance and human rights.

Speaking in Dublin, at Aras an Uachtarai ( the official residence and workplace of the Irish president) where she presented her Letter of Credence to Irish President Michael Higgins at a colorful ceremony, Gurly Gibson-Schwarz, Liberia’s Ambassador to London (also covering the Republic of Ireland) heralded the enduring partnership between the two countries as they forge new opportunities.

She conveyed the best wishes of the President of Liberia George Manneh Weah towards advancing closer relations with the people of Ireland.

She hailed the strategic role of Irish contributions to global peace – highlighting the heroic service of the Irish contingent of the United Nations Peace Mission to Liberia between 2003- 2007.

Liberia is also a recipient of Irish aid in the areas of health, education, among others.

 Ambassador Schwarz stressed Liberia’s democratic governance and national development as key priority areas promoting gender equality while tackling sexual and gender-based violence.

With expanding Irish engagement in Africa, the top Liberian diplomat indicated Liberia will drive to increase trade and investment which will deliver  shared prosperity between Liberia and Ireland.

The President of Ireland Michael Higgins recounted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and the mutual benefits to the two countries.

He applauded Liberia’s democratic transformation and the contributions of the Irish defense servicemen and women to consolidating peace.

President Higgins extended his profound best wishes to President Weah, expressing his desire to visit Liberia to continue the friendship and cooperation.

He expressed optimism that the ceremony presented new grounds for greater cooperation.

Liberia received praise for its commitment towards climate change- especially protection of the largest remaining rain forest in the West African sub region.

Meanwhile Liberia was represented at the Africa Irish Africa Economic Forum held in Dublin last month. The event  assembled government and trade representatives from Ireland and Africa.

The forum assessed and advanced strategies to promote innovation-driven trade between Africa and Ireland through the broader European trade bloc.

Albert Kjlatoe Jaja, Sr.