Japan Expressed Intention To Contribute To Liberia’s Nation-building Through High Quality Infrastructure

By E. Chiedi Nyenmoh

The Government of Japan through their Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko has expressed Japan’s intention to contribute to Liberia’s nation-building through Japanese cooperation, in the areas of quality infrastructure, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

Making remarks at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held in Japan from (August 24-27, 2024), Japan Foreign Minister stated that she would like to further deepen cooperation in the international arena with Liberia, which according to her share's common fundamental values and principles such as democracy and the rule of law.

Yoko also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continued cooperation, particularly in transportation infrastructure, which she identified as a critical sector to Liberia’s development. 

For her part, Liberia Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti extended warm greetings from President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., and the People of Liberia, expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for hosting the Ministerial Meeting of TICAD.

She also expressed gratitude to the Republic of Japan for their ongoing development assistance to Liberia, highlighting major projects such as the Japan Freeway and Japan’s commitment to rehabilitating and expanding the Gabriel Tucker Bridge to the Freeport Road corridor.

Nyanti acknowledged Japan’s contributions through the ongoing Japan Rice Monetization Program, various human capacity development initiatives, and other crucial bilateral aid programs facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In a gesture of continued collaboration, Foreign Minister Nyanti presented a Bilateral Note from the Government of Liberia to Japan, citing “This note, received by Minister Kamikawa, outlines key areas for Japan’s development assistance to Liberia over years to come.”

She added that these 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 Liberian Foreign Minister emphasized that the Bilateral Note also underscored the importance of support in solar energy for critical public institutions, access to safe drinking water, infrastructure development, and human capacity-building opportunities, particularly aimed at empowering women and youth in Liberia. 

In conclusion, Foreign Minister Nyanti reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to working closely with Japan on global, multilateral, and bilateral issues of shared values and principles.