Washington, D.C. – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madam Sarah Beysolow Nyanti, on Thursday held high-level talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing U.S.-Liberia cooperation in key sectors.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh
During the meeting, both officials discussed avenues to deepen U.S. commercial engagement in Liberia, particularly in the critical minerals sector, with an emphasis on creating jobs and promoting value addition in both countries.
Secretary Rubio commended the ongoing efforts of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in exploring new infrastructure projects in Liberia designed to align with U.S. strategic and economic interests.
The two leaders also exchanged views on migration challenges faced by both nations and explored mechanisms through which the United States could support Liberia in managing immigration issues. Visa issues were discussed because although Liberia now grants the US 3 year visas, the US still only gives Liberians a maximum of 1 year for visas. The intention to reciprocate Liberia’s multiyear visa is a great move that if it happens, it will help Liberian travelers. It will also signal more confidence in the relationship between the two countries and the efforts being made by the government to strengthen the ties.
The meeting took place amid broader U.S. discussions with several African countries regarding the acceptance of deported illegal immigrants from the United States, signaling a complex diplomatic environment around migration and international cooperation.
