The Republic of Japan continues to demonstrate a mood of genuine friendship with Liberia.
The Country was instrumental in completing the Somalia Drive Road, currently referred to as the Japan Freeway, the construction of the Omega and Duala markets, among others. Japan’s contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of Liberia and its people is immeasurable.
That is why the former Somalia Drive Road was even named Japan Freeway, in recognition of the country’s support to Liberia’s infrastructure development.
The cooperation between Liberia and Japan focuses on infrastructural, agricultural, and human developments.
Since 2020, the Government of Japan has provided UNICEF with a total of US$ 2.7 million to support the critical delivery of services to women and children in Liberia.
The Japanese Government launched two programs last year, to strengthen the delivery of routine health services in health facilities and communities, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indeed, as a symbol of the friendly ties between the two countries, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, of the Republic of Japan, Mochisuki Hisanobu, recently presented his Letter of Credence to President George Manneh Weah, at the Cabinet Room of the Executive Mansion.
He intoned, “We are grateful to the government and people of Liberia for naming the newly built road, Japan Freeway.”
He hailed President Weah for tirelessly upholding and strengthening bilateral ties between Liberia and Japan, evidenced by the Liberian Leader’s participation in the Tokyo International Conference on Africa (TICA) held in Japan in 2019.
It is also highly anticipated by Japan that President Weah attends this year’s edition of TICA scheduled to take place in Tunis, Tunisia.
This is why we say Japan is, indeed, a true friend to Liberia. We believe the friendly ties with Japan will go a long way in realizing the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda.
We, therefore, call on every well-meaning Liberian to join the government in saying hats off to the Republic of Japan for strengthening bilateral ties with Liberia.
By:Victor Kezelee