Boakai Visits France
President Joseph N. Boakai made an official visit to France from October 28 to October 30, 2025, following an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron. The trip included an official welcome at the Élysée Palace in Paris and full military honors. The visit also marked Liberia’s proactive efforts to deepen its relationship with France ahead of Liberia’s anticipated seat on the UN Security Council starting January 2026.
The central aim of President Boakai’s visit was to promote cooperation in various sectors, including trade, development, climate action, education, and parliamentary dialogue. Meetings with President Macron and French legislators focused on advancing mutual priorities such as peace, democracy, and sustainable development. Of particular note was the discussion regarding the upcoming “Africa Forward” summit, which aims to foster partnerships between African nations and France in innovation and growth.
Significantly, the visit culminated in the signing of a bilateral Agreement on General Cooperation between France and Liberia. This accord is set to consolidate partnerships in agriculture, climate, biodiversity, energy, mining, education, vocational training, health, water, sanitation, and youth programs. French official sources, including France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, praised the reopening of the Alliance Française in Monrovia and reaffirmed support for Liberia’s candidacy to join the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
Accompanying President Boakai was a delegation including key government officials, notably Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, who met with French officials to further solidify diplomatic ties. Thel visit is part of Liberia’s broader international outreach, with President Boakai scheduled to continue to the United Arab Emirates for additional high-level meetings.