News

On 19 April in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, the Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Neris Germanas met with the Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, and Deputy Ministers Sylvester M. Grigsby and Elias Shoniyin to discuss the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, cooperation within international organizations, and Lithuania’s incoming Presidency of the European Union.

The Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister and Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed security in West Africa, situation in Liberia and neighbouring countries. The meeting focused on the important role of the United Nations in ensuring security and highlighted the EU’s development aid. The support of other countries for reviving economic growth in Liberia after more than 20 years of violent internal conflict is of crucial importance to this country. The Liberian Foreign Minister said that he highly appreciated the EU’s assistance in implementing economic, social and judicial reforms, and in developing stronger capacities in these areas.

The meetings discussed a possibility to appoint the Honorary Consul of Lithuania. The officials also discussed the experience of the countries in ensuring the equal rights of men and women, and Liberia’s good example in the African continent.

Germanas requested Liberia to support Lithuania’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2014-2015 term. Elections for the Security Council will be held in October.

In Monrovia, the Lithuanian Foreign Vice-Minister also met with the head of the Delegation of the European Union and discussed with him Lithuania’s preparation to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as the role of the Delegation of the European Union to Liberia in solving  the country’s development problems.