The Speaker of the 55th Legislature of Liberia, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon has delivered a compelling address at the official opening ceremony of the 2025 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges. The forum is held under the theme โBuilding Global Partnership for Joint Advancement of Common and Sustainable Development.โ Speaker Koon joined esteemed members of the National Peopleโs Congress of the Peopleโs Republic of China, legislators from across the globe, and other distinguished participants at the high-level parliamentary event aimed at enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation and sustainable development.
In his address, Speaker Koon extended greetings from H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Honorable Members of the Liberian Legislature. He also expressed deep appreciation to the organizing committee for the warm hospitality and for extending the invitation to participate in such a globally significant gathering. โOur presence here today signifies our unwavering commitment to lasting parliamentary cooperation and a deep sense of shared solidarity in moving the parliamentary agenda forward,โ said Speaker Koon.
He stressed the critical role of parliamentary networks in shaping sustainable development in a rapidly transforming world marked by technological advancement and globalization. Speaker Koon stressed that building collective efforts based on mutual understanding can effectively drive a unified global legislative agenda. Speaker Koon also commended the Peopleโs Republic of China for its continued support of parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation.
He stressed Chinaโs historic and contemporary accomplishments, particularly in the Xinjiang Region, and lauded the countryโs governance model that emphasizes ethnic unity, cultural preservation, regional prosperity, and long-term development. The Speaker acknowledged the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peopleโs War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
He called for reflection on the historical lessons of war and reaffirmed the importance of building a peaceful and just international order. Speaker Koon also referenced the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting, where President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) in response to current global challenges. He praised the initiativeโs core principles of sovereign equality, rule of law, multilateralism, and a people-centered approach principles he urged fellow legislators to adopt as guiding values for future collaboration.
โThese concepts should further animate and invigorate our spirit of cooperation and strong collaboration as we collectively move the global agenda forward, especially as legislators,โ he stated. In conclusion, Speaker Koon expressed gratitude to the Government and People of China for their continued support to developing countries and reaffirmed Liberiaโs commitment to strengthening mutual parliamentary relations. โWe look forward to more mutual, friendly legislative exchanges that foster peace, cooperation, and sustainable development,โ he concluded.
