President Weah (standing in the middle in white) and diaspora Liberians
Photo: Executive Mansion

The president of the European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) Kingston Wleh has commended Liberian President George Weah and the government for the recent meeting with nearly 300 Liberians living in the diaspora.

Mr. Wleh said the gathering at the Jamiaca Resort outside the Liberian capital afforded the president and Liberians in the diaspora an opportunity to exchange ideas and share knowledge on critical national issues important to the growth and development of the country.

An EFLA communication received by Nordic Africa News noted that Mr. Wleh averred that such a gathering has made President Weah to understand firsthand the challenges of diaspora Liberians and benefits that they stand to get as they work closely with the Liberian government in a positive way.

He said diaspora Liberians need to use the opportunity to explore all business and investment opportunities available to them with the aim to promote national development and also assist in the investment and employment opportunities of Liberians.

Mr. Wleh said his leadership will work with Liberians in Europe who may have interest in investing in Liberia to create the necessary connections with the relevant organizations and groups which will help them get established locally.

He commended President Weah for the forum and appealed that it be held on a bi-annual basis to ensure that more Liberians in the diaspora benefit from the opportunities being provided.

During the meeting, President Weah praised the visiting Liberians for taking off time to see him during their vacation.

He encouraged them to remain engaged with his government and other Liberians at home in sustaining national peace and improving the wellbeing of the citizenry.

President Weah pledged government’s support to all Liberians, including those in the diaspora, particularly citizens wishing to invest in the economy of the country.

The president reiterated his commitment to empowering Liberians to fully participate, and not be spectators, in the economy of their own country.

President Weah promised equal opportunity for all Liberians despite their localities to participate in the development of their country.

He assured his fullest support and promised to include everyone in the country’s rebuilding process.

He said his government is willing to empower Liberian entrepreneurs with millions of dollars to build factories and other companies for the good of the country and challenged them to take advantage of the government’s offers and to compete with foreign investors.

Speaking on the issue of dual citizenship, the president told his audience that he had already submitted a bill at the National Legislature on the matter, promising to give it a push for its final passage into law when lawmakers return to work.

The president’s guests included representatives from the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas and EFLA.

Others came from South Sudan, Ghana, Australia, United Arab Emirates and the Scandinavian countries. They spoke on a range of issues, including trade and commerce, dual citizenship and foreign diplomacy. They implored the president to cultivate close relationship with Liberian diaspora citizens to make them a part of government’s development agenda.

The meeting was organized by President Weah to solicit the views of Liberians living in the diaspora on Liberia’s development process.