Foreign Minister Nyanti seals historic deal with Barbados; Bolsters ties with Norway

The signing of bilateral relations between Liberia and Barbados has sealed the bonds connecting the two countries, which dates back to the 1800s when immigrants from Barbados migrated to Liberia as did others from other Caribbean nations.

(Accra, February 29, 2024): Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has concluded a successful two-day working visit to Ghana, further solidifying Liberia’s diplomatic relations on the international stage that established a new bilateral relationship while cementing another one.

According to a release from the Liberian Embassy in Accra, Foreign Minister Beysolow who led a high-level Liberian delegation signed the formalization of diplomatic relations between the Republics of Liberia and Barbados. Madam Juliette Babb-Riley, Head of Mission of the High Commission of Barbados, signed on behalf of Barbados during the historic formalization.  The signing ceremony took place in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

Other members of the Liberian delegation included the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Boima S. Kamara, the Chairperson of the Board of the National Ports Authority (NPA) of Liberia, Hon. Luther Tarpeh, and the Charge d’Affaires of the Liberian Embassy in Accra, Mr. Philip Garjay Innis, the release adds.

Wednesday’s ceremony marked the culmination of engagements between the Embassy of Liberia in Accra and the High Commission of Barbados in Ghana, underscoring the importance of building fruitful South-South relationships. Prior to the signing, Minister Nyanti explored key areas of collaboration, including workforce development, tourism, cultural heritage, legal education, agriculture, fisheries, and trade. These initiatives aim to deepen ties and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between the two countries.

According to the release, Minister Nyanti also highlighted the historical ties between Barbados and Liberia, dating back to the arrival of Barbadians in Liberia in 1865. Notable individuals of Bajan descent, such as former presidents and key figures in Liberian society, have made significant contributions to Liberia over the years, the release adds.

A day earlier, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Minister Nyanti and her Liberian delegation held a meeting with Her Excellency Ingrid Mollestad, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway accredited to Liberia with residence in Ghana. The discussions centered on enhancing bilateral relations between Liberia and Norway, covering a wide range of topics.

The release notes that those recent developments underscore Minister Nyanti’s commitment to advancing Liberia’s foreign policy objectives and strengthening its position in the global community.

According to the release, the agreements with Barbados and Norway mark important milestones in Liberia’s diplomatic efforts and pave the way for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in various fields.