MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberia and the EU have strengthened economic ties at a high-level meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
On the sidelines of the Liberia-EU Business Forum, Liberia’s Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan held a high-level meeting with the EU Commission Director General for International Partnerships, Koen Doens.
The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between Liberia and the EU, particularly economic cooperation, private sector investment, and sustainable development.
Minister Ngafuan conveyed the appreciation of President Joseph Boakai and the Liberian people for the EU’s consistent and dependable support, especially during a period of global economic turbulence.
He recalled that when international uncertainty led to major disruptions in development financing, the EU remained engaged and supportive.
The Minister highlighted several EU-supported initiatives that continue to deliver visible results across Liberia, including youth empowerment programs, private sector development in fisheries and Agro-processing, among others.
Meanwhile, Koen Doens reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Liberia.
He described the relationship as one rooted in shared values and long-term partnership rather than short-term transactions.
Their discussions also highlighted the need to move the partnership to the next level by bringing the European and Liberian private sectors closer together.
According to a dispatch, both sides agreed that accelerated private sector engagement is critical to transforming Liberia’s youthful population into an economic asset.
The meeting also touched on cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and value-chain development, with power and energy identified as central to Liberia’s long-term transformation and industrial growth.
At the same time, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah has discussed global communication plans with the Deputy Head of Division for West Africa at the European Union External Action Service, Charles Girard, on the sidelines of the Forum.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Liberia and the EU in strategic communication, countering disinformation, and digital diplomacy, as Liberia assumes its role as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.
A statement from the Information Ministry said Minister Piah noted that modern diplomacy requires clear and timely public communication.
Minister Piah further sought technical assistance for knowledge transfer and institutional support to build lasting systems within the Ministry of Information and the Press and Public Affairs office of Liberia’s Permanent Mission in New York.
The Ministry of Information boss, in the statement, further noted that the government’s communication arm will aim to develop clear messaging in advance of major debates on issues such as peacekeeping reforms and climate security.
Meanwhile, Charles Girard expressed appreciation for the engagement and assured the European External Action Service’s commitment to Liberia.
Girard said,” The EU has an interest in partnering with the Information Ministry to strengthen communication outreach to African audiences”.
He shared Liberia’s concerns about countering information, including the spread of fake AI-generated content and its rapid dissemination across digital platforms.
The release stated that both parties agreed on the value of continued dialogues and the designation of focal points to develop a practical action plan.