INDONESIA-Liberia and Indonesia have signed a Joint Cooperation in key areas of national development at the Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF).

President Joseph Boakai signed on behalf of Liberia, while Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, signed on behalf of his country.

During the signing ceremony on Monday, September 2, 2024, President Widodo said:” My Government will support Liberia in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, provide scholarships and professional training.”

He said the mutual friendship between Liberia and Indonesia, which spans over six decades, is progressing.

According to him, the IAF presents a perfect opportunity for the two countries to remain engaged as the world grapples with increasing challenges.

President Joko Widodo disclosed that this year’s Indonesia-Africa Forum recorded business deals reaching 3.5 billion US Dollars, almost six-fold from the first IAF in 2018.

At the same time, President Joseph Boakai has proposed the idea for the Governments of Liberia and Indonesia to establish embassies in the capitals of both countries.

President Boakai said:” The establishment of embassies in Monrovia and Jakarta is an important step to cementing diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The Liberian Leader assured of the Government of Liberia’s commitment to the over six decades of friendship between Liberia and Indonesia, and urged his counterpart, President Widodo, to do the same.

President Boakai then asked the Indonesian Government to ensure that an Indonesian privately owned company, Golden Veroleum (GVL), established a modern oil refinery in Liberia.

He said:” It is time for GVL, which has operated for years in Liberia, to consider value chain addition to the Oil Palm Sector in the country.”

The Liberian Chief Executive assured that under his leadership the Liberian Government will ensure that GVL achieves its desired objectives.

President Boakai said as both Governments work towards raising the standard of their relationship, there must be serious considerations for resident ambassadors in both countries.

The Liberian Leader said the Joint Commission that was signed eleven years ago between both countries will be revitalized to support the oil palm industry, trade investments, and agriculture.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo has described the signing of the Joint Cooperation as a huge step in the Liberia-Indonesia relationship.