MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia, and Angola have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors.

The two countries committed during a productive meeting between Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow-Nyanti and her Angolan counterpart, Téte António, recently, on the sideline of the recent African Union (AU) Summit.

Their discussions focused on deepening cooperation in key areas, including maritime affairs, oil and gas exploration, mining, and agriculture.

Both sides also agreed to develop and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations and establish a Joint Commission, scheduled for May 2025, in Luanda, Angola.

According to a dispatch from the Foreign Ministry, Minister António engaged Liberia at the directive of Angolan President João Lourenço, who, upon assuming the AU Chairmanship, requested a status update on bilateral relations.

President Lourenço instructed his Foreign Minister to ensure the finalization of the Joint Commission, which will facilitate the signing of MoUs in key economic sectors.

The dispatch noted Angola’s renewed interest in strengthening ties with Liberia from previous engagements aimed at fostering bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Minister Nyanti conveyed President Joseph Boakai’s congratulations to President Lourenço on his new role as AU Chairperson.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow-Nyanti has emphasized Liberia’s eagerness to enhance collaboration with Angola, particularly in areas that promise mutual economic growth.

Foreign Minister Nyanti and her Angolan Counterpart agreed to explore joint initiatives to enhance maritime security, combat piracy, and promote the sustainable development of marine resources and the blue economy.

Liberia also expressed strong interest in leveraging Angola’s extensive expertise in the oil and gas sector.

To facilitate technical exchanges and investment opportunities, both nations plan to establish a joint task force focused on hydrocarbon exploration and production.

In the mining sector, Liberia and Angola acknowledged the untapped potential for collaboration.

They committed to sharing best practices, attracting foreign direct investment, and ensuring the sustainable and ethical extraction of mineral resources.

The two Foreign Ministers also explored initiatives to boost agricultural productivity through technology transfer, capacity building, and agribusiness ventures aimed at enhancing food security and job creation.

By: Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.