MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia, and Japan have agreed to strengthen relations in critical areas for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and Japan’s Foreign Minister, Kamikama Yoko also pledged to work together in solving the development issues of Liberia through quality infrastructure development.

During a bilateral meeting in Tokyo, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to develop Japan-Liberia relations towards the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 9 in the coming year.

Foreign Minister Nyanti said:” Liberia will work closely with Japan on global, multilateral, and bilateral issues of shared values and principles.”

Earlier, Japan Foreign Minister Kamikama Yoko assured Liberia of her country’s commitment to continue cooperation, particularly in transportation infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Nyanti has presented a Bilateral Note from the Government of Liberia to Japan.

Minister Nyanti handed the note to Japan’s Foreign Minister during a bilateral meeting on the sideline of the Tokyo International Conference.

According to a dispatch from Tokyo, the Bilateral Note outlines key areas for Japan’s development assistance to Liberia.

The priority areas include the rehabilitation and expansion of the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport Road Corridor and the construction of the Japan Village and market buildings.

The Bilateral Note also stressed the importance of supporting solar energy for public institutions, access to safe drinking water, infrastructure development, and human capacity-building opportunities for women and youth in Liberia.

By: Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.