Monrovia, Liberia – The 12th European-Liberia (EU) Partnership Dialogue has ended in Monrovia with reinforced commitment of the bloc and Liberia relations for the next twelve months committing to work in line with the proposed ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Speaking at the EU- Liberia Dialogue on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Deputy Finance & Development Minister for Debt Management Dephue Zuo said the Liberia’s relation with EU is based on shared values and mutual respect and continues to grow stronger as the pair collaborates on addressing the challenges of the future.
DPPeputy Minister Zuo indicated that EU during the years has supported Liberia in the areas of governance, infrastructure, health, education, energy, environment (climate change), agriculture, and fisheries and rural development.
The Deputy Minister of Debt Management at the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning named some of the project supported by the European Union as the Monrovia Consolidation of Electricity Transmission to Monrovia and distribution- value at U$52 million, and the project helped to significantly improve access to electricity to Monrovia households.
The Rural Electrification of the South- East of Liberia- value at EUR 42 million, Youth Rising Project with funding of EUR 8 million intended to support the Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for young people in Liberia and the EU also kept its long term support to the General Audit Commission at float.
He urged the EU to fund the National Development Plan (ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development) that is being crafted across the country.
Also speaking at the EU- Liberia Partnership Dialogue, the Head of European Union Delegation to Liberia, Ambassador Nona Deprez asserted that the EU remains committed to supporting the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
Ambassador Deprez praised the participation of the civil society in the dialogue describing their inclusion as mark of open & democratic society. She termed both the participation of the Liberian and European sides as exhaustive and thorough.
For her part, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti said the gathering underscores the shared commitment to advancing sustainable development and good governance in Liberia.
Minister Nyanti also emphasized the importance of continued support from European partners. Drawing from European experiences in supporting global justice, Liberia seeks collaborative guidance to advance its development goals.
She expressed gratitude to the European Union and its member states for their ongoing partnership and looks forward to a strengthened cooperation to realize Liberia’s future aspirations.