On March 19, 2026, the Liberian Ambassador to Morocco, His Excellency Joseph F. Johnson, met with his Turkish counterpart in Rabat, H.E. Mustafa İlker Kılıç. This high-level meeting reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthen a 34-year-old diplomatic relationship and to open new avenues of cooperation.
Türkiye, a key partner for Africa
During the discussions, Ambassador Johnson described Türkiye as a “vital partner in Africa’s industrial awakening.” He expressed the Liberian government’s appreciation for Türkiye’s consideration of opening a resident embassy in Monrovia—an initiative that would further consolidate bilateral ties.
The ARREST agenda at the center of dialogue
The meeting focused on aligning Turkish expertise with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Several areas of collaboration were highlighted:
- Infrastructure & Construction: Encouraging Turkish companies to invest in road rehabilitation and energy projects, building on the successful precedent set by MNG Gold.
- Agriculture & Food Security: Partnering with Türkiye to supply fertilizers and modern agricultural technologies to boost domestic production.
- Aviation & Tourism: Exploring the potential of Turkish Airlines launching direct flights to Liberia, creating a gateway to Asia and Eastern Europe while energizing the tourism sector.
Military and academic cooperation
Building on Liberia’s recent strategic agreements with Morocco, Ambassador Johnson proposed a similar framework with Türkiye. Discussions included:
- Training Liberian officers in Turkish military academies.
- Transitioning Liberian medical students into military doctors through trilateral cooperation between Türkiye, Morocco, and Liberia.
- Accessing Turkish military equipment and expertise, with a draft bilateral agreement to be facilitated via Türkiye’s Embassy in Accra.
- Participation of Liberian security officials in upcoming military and defense exhibitions in Türkiye scheduled for May 2026.
Investing in Liberia’s youth
Ambassador Johnson praised Türkiye’s scholarship programs and called for their expansion to include Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This would equip Liberian youth with the technical skills essential for a modern and competitive economy.
A shared vision for the future
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to high-level visits and the establishment of a “win-win” partnership, ensuring prosperity and stability for both the Liberian and Turkish people.
