Irish Embassy concludes Liberia Strategy Review

A high-level delegation from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs visited Liberia from 24-26 October to engage in a review of Ireland’s Mission Strategy 2019-2023. 

The delegation was hosted by the Embassy of Ireland in Liberia and included a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dee-Maxwell Sah Kemayah, as well as a field visit to a development cooperation project supported by Ireland.

The Strategy Review focused on the Embassy of Ireland’s engagement under its five-year Ireland in Liberia Mission Strategy (2019-2023). 

The overarching goal of the Strategy is to promote Ireland’s values and interests in Liberia, with a focus on promoting participation in inclusive democratic processes and ensuring that poor women and girls are better nourished and live healthier, safer and empowered lives.

At the meeting with Minister Kemayah, Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Claire Buckley, and the Africa Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Alan Gibbons, recognized the warm bilateral relations and welcomed collaboration between Ireland and Liberia on a number of issues, particularly in the areas of governance, health and nutrition. 

The delegation also expressed Ireland’s appreciation of Liberia’s partnership and principled position on Ukraine.  Minister Kemayah recognized the important role countries such as Ireland had played in maintaining peace in Liberia during the UNMIL mission and noted Liberia’s commitment to providing support to regional peacekeeping efforts. 

Both parties agreed on the importance of ensuring free, fair and inclusive elections in Liberia in 2023.  The meeting ended with a commitment on both sides to strengthen and deepen political, economic and cultural ties between Ireland and Liberia. 

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet beneficiaries of Irish Aid funding. This included a review of Sinje Health Centre in Grand Cape Mount County, where those visiting from Ireland were welcomed by Medical Director, Dr. Kofa, and Family Health Director at the Ministry of Health, Bento Tehongue.

In addition, during the visit, the delegation heard perspectives from NGO and multilateral partners based in Liberia and engaged in positive meetings with member of the diplomatic community.