President George M. Weah has hailed the Kingdom of Sweden for its continued support to Liberia, something he said manifests the Scandinavian country’s commitment to the bilateral ties subsisting between the two nations.
The President on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 joined the Ambassador Urban Sjostrom, officers and staffers of the Swedish Embassy near Monrovia to celebrate the 500th Independence of that country at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia.
Making special remarks at the ceremony, the Liberian leader took particular note of how the two countries have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations dating back to 1958, saying the relationship has grown from strength to strength throughout the last 65 years.
He also acknowledged that “Sweden has been one of Liberia’s largest donors of foreign aid, which has extended over time into major development investment.”
“We particularly remember that the involvement of Swedish industry in the Liberian American-Swedish Minerals Company (LAMCO) which operated in Liberia between 1963 to 1989, as the largest Swedish commercial investment in Africa at the time. Indeed, LAMCO transformed the socioeconomic and political landscape of Liberia,” the President said.
President Weah said through the Swedish Government’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (SIDA), Sweden has been actively engaged with the post-conflict reconstruction and development of Liberia.
SIDA, the President maintained, has given significant support to the work for peace, democracy, and human rights in Liberia, as well as economic development and environmental climate protection.
President Weah informed the Swedish Envoy that Liberia remains upbeat that its bilateral relations with Sweden will continue to grow from strength-to-strength, as both governments explore ever wider areas of heightened cooperation.
The Chief Executive continued: “Please be assured that Liberia remains committed to our common position on international affairs, including the advancement of global peace and security, rule-based international order, democracy and the promotion of gender equality and human rights, including freedom for all peoples.”
The President also pledged that Liberia will remain committed to good governance, transparency, respect for human rights, promotion of climate and environmental protection and, above all, upholding peace and security in Liberia and the world.
Commenting on the pending Presidential and Legislative elections, which is about four months away, the Liberian Leader once again reaffirmed government’s commitment to conduct the elections in a manner that is free, fair, transparent and credible, that will meet the highest national and international standards.
“We are aware that the outcome of the October 10th elections will define our future course; whether they will enhance our growing democratic credentials and allow us to continue on the path of peace; or whether we will relapse into confusion and conflict,” he asserted.
Weah added, “For my part as the Political Leader of this Country, and Head of State and Government, I am convinced that, with the full cooperation and support of our international friends and partners, we will achieve the desired objectives of these elections, and that Liberia will continue on the path of peace, security and stability.”
President Weah congratulated Ambassador Sjostrom, His Royal Majesty King Carl the 16th Gustaf, King of Sweden, as well as the Government and People of Sweden on the major milestone in their country’s history. Sweden became an independent state five centuries ago in 1523.
