REMARKS BY: HIS EXCELLENCY JOSEPH NYUMA BOAKAI SR. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE 249TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
James E. Pierre Banquet Hall
Benson Street, Monrovia
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Your Excellency, Ambassador Mark C. Toner;
Mr. Speaker
Honorable Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Good evening:
It is a great honor and pleasure to join you here today as the United States of America celebrates its 249th Independence Day—a day that marks not only the birth of a nation, but the birth of an enduring idea: that freedom, democracy, and opportunity should be the bedrock upon which nations are built.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Liberia, I bring warm greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of the United States of America. May your nation continue to grow in strength, resilience, and unity.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Liberia and the United States share a relationship that is truly unique, rooted in deep historical, political, and cultural ties that span more than two centuries.
Our nation’s very founding was shaped by the aspirations of freed African-Americans seeking a new life on the shores of Africa. From that moment forward, our two nations have stood together in partnership—through moments of triumph and times of trial.
Over the decades, the United States has remained a steadfast ally, supporting Liberia in its democratic journey, providing development assistance, strengthening our institutions, and most importantly, standing with us during moments of national challenge. For this, we are deeply grateful.
Today, Liberia is charting a new course, one that places economic diplomacy at the center of our foreign policy agenda. We understand that diplomacy must do more than shape political relationships; it must also attract investment, expand trade, unlock opportunities, and bring tangible benefits to our people.
That is why we are building a foreign policy architecture that seeks not only to deepen political alliances, but also to create strategic economic partnerships. We aim to promote Liberia as a viable and attractive destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable development. And we are committed to creating a stable, transparent, and enabling environment for business.
It is therefore encouraging to note that the United States, through its Department of State, has recently unveiled a new foreign policy orientation centered on commercial diplomacy, a shift that aims to harness diplomacy to advance U.S. economic interests abroad while strengthening mutual prosperity with partner countries.
This bold and strategic pivot by the U.S. aligns perfectly with Liberia’s own priorities. We see tremendous opportunities for collaboration in trade, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.
We also recognize the critical role of the U.S. private sector and look forward to creating pathways that foster increased engagement between American and Liberian businesses.
As our two nations align our foreign policy priorities toward shared economic goals, we find ourselves at a unique moment—one that offers the promise of deeper cooperation, increased investment, and shared growth.
Let us seize this opportunity to build on the foundation of friendship that has endured for generations. Let us work together to create a future of mutual prosperity, where both our peoples can thrive.
As we celebrate this day of American independence, may we be reminded of the strength of our partnership—and may we commit to nurturing it in ways that uplift our citizens, strengthen our economies, and advance the values we both hold dear.
Thank you once again for the invitation to celebrate with you. Happy Independence Day, and may God bless the United States of America and the Republic of Liberia.
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