MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, Hiroshi Hoshimoto, says the Japanese food assistance program represents one of the longstanding symbols of friendship and cooperation between his country and Liberia.

Since the inception of the program in Liberia in 2008, the nation has received a significant quantity of assorted rice under the initiative, with rice assistance being provided almost every year.

Ambassador Hoshimoto said, “This reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Liberia and contributing to the country’s food security efforts”.

Speaking at the Second Ministerial Steering Committee meeting at the Commerce Ministry in Monrovia recently, the Japanese Envoy termed the program a unique coordination that addresses the humanitarian dimension through the provision of rice, which addresses the immediate food needs of the Liberian people.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Magdalene Dagoseh lauded the enduring and valuable partnership between Liberia and Japan.

Minister Dagoseh disclosed that since 2018, the Japan food aid program has transformed rice donation into a tangible development asset across Liberia.

The commerce minister named the construction of markets, bridges that connect communities, and housing units that shelter families as some of the outcomes of the Papan Rice Aid program.

She assured the Japanese Ambassador of Liberia’s commitment to ensure the highest level of transparency and accountability in the program.

Commerce Minister Magdalene Dagoseh then vowed to ensure thorough monitoring of the projects being funded by the program to ensure value for money and quality infrastructure.