Minister Richmond to meet President Boakai of Liberia

Minister of State with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, will today meet with President of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, on the first full day of his visit to the country.

He will also meet with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deweh E. Gray, to discuss Ireland-Liberia cooperation and share Ireland’s Strategy for Liberia, which will be implemented by Ireland’s embassy in Monrovia.

During his visit to Liberia, Minister Richmond will visit programmes funded by Irish Aid through civil society partners including Concern Worldwide. He will also lay a wreath at the memorial of Sergeant Derec Mooney of the Irish Defence Forces who was killed in a road accident while deployed to Liberia in November 2003.

The Minister will also cut the ribbon on the Embassy of Ireland’s new Chancery building in Monrovia, which will be the home of Irish representation in Liberia going forward, and which demonstrates the depth of Ireland’s commitment to Liberia. Ireland invests approximately €7.5 million annually in programmes to support the people of Liberia.

Minister Richmond said:

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to reinforce Ireland’s partnership with Liberia during my visit this week. In my meetings with President Boakai and Deputy Foreign Minister Gray, we discussed ways to deepen our relationship even further. It is clear that Ireland’s commitment to Liberia is long-term and ambitious for the years ahead.

“We are proud to partner with civil society organisations in Liberia to help the country continue to progress. One in every three children in Liberia is malnourished. The work of Concern Worldwide in tackling that crisis is exemplary and a real testament to the incredible impact of Ireland’s development cooperation.

“It is also an honour to officially open Ireland’s new Embassy building here in Monrovia. It is a significant milestone in Ireland’s relationship with Liberia, representing another tangible demonstration of our commitment.”

Minister Richmond is on a week-long visit to West Africa and spent three days in Sierra Leone before crossing into Liberia yesterday. The purpose of the visit has been to strengthen political ties, meet with civil society partners and see the impact of the work of Irish Aid in the region.