(London 23/10/2019) Liberia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Court of Saint James, H.E. Gurly Gibson-Schwarz, has placed expansion of the investment profile of the United Kingdom in Liberia as a critical area of focus in her engagements at post.
Speaking at ceremonies held at the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia near London, marking her presentation of credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Ambassador Gibson-Schwarz insisted that accelerating investment alongside the UK international development commitment to Liberia- will generate shared prosperity and mutual benefit to the two countries.
She assured that the occasion presented an invaluable opportunity to present to her Majesty the Queen, the aspirations of the government and people of Liberia- as the UK and Liberia strive to explore new ways to project the long standing ties they both enjoy.
Ambassador Gibson-Schwarz asserted that the warm-hearted exchange with High Majesty the Queen of England- typifies the importance of enriching UK Liberia relations.
The top Liberian diplomat told the gathering of government representatives and other dignitaries- that the Pro Poor Agenda for Development – encapsulates the vehicle by which the government of President George Manneh Weah- is seeking to tackle poverty while advancing national development and prosperity.
She noted that increased trade will broaden the foothold of UK firms in Liberia as well as meeting the strategic target of job creation for the nation’s mostly youthful population.
She emphasised the need for a dominant private sector as the tool that propels Liberia’s growth and national development.
Ambassador Gibson-Schwarz was upbeat about the productive nature of her results focused interactions at the bilateral and multi-lateral levels; along with the Liberian Diaspora community.
Speaking on behalf of the UK government- the Vice Marshall at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office- Neil Holland, identified key areas of common interests between Liberia and the UK- as he advanced the usefulness of breaking new grounds.
“Today, your Excellency, you heard from the highest and most respected authority in our country- on our most sincere wishes to foster the strong, prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries”
He recalled that in 2017, then foreign Secretary and now UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, visited Liberia in furtherance of deeper relations with Liberia and the UK.
The Vice Marshal reflected on February introductory discussion when he welcomed the Liberian Ambassador at her new post-indicating her clear and ambitious vision for engagement with the United Kingdom.
Liberia and the United Kingdom, Vice Marshall Holland asserts, continue to strengthen their partnership for the benefit of their respective populations.
Those collaborations extend across varying areas of interests- from military training and support in the United Nations context; to climate change, protection of wildlife and endangered specifies.
He stressed trade and investment, a key area of important to both countries- as well as strengthening democratic institutions- especially within the global Britain agenda.
Vice Marshall Holland recounted the visit in 2018 of a legislative delegation from Liberia; he informed that a British Parliamentary delegation is due to visit Liberia next year, as a follow up to the Westminster meetings.
Another key area of the UK continued support to Liberia is education- the UK Chevening Scholarship- has already produced 18 graduates of Liberian scholars with master’s degrees from key UK universities.
According Mr. Holland, a new record has been set with 50% of this year’s scholars from Liberia- being women.