Beijing, China -House Speaker Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has called for deeper cooperation among parliaments worldwide, emphasizing the need for shared legislative action to address global challenges. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the 2025 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges in Beijing, hosted by the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China.
Delivering the keynote address at the occasion, Speaker Koon extended greetings from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the 55th Legislature of Liberia, expressing gratitude to China for its hospitality and longstanding partnership with Liberia.
“The gathering today marks a significant milestone in charting a new beginning of fostering legislative friendly exchanges between the People’s Republic of China and other parliamentary bodies of the world,” Koon said. “As legislators, we must enact laws with collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, cyber security, entrenched poverty, human rights violations, and trade barriers.”
Speaker Koon praised China’s rapid economic growth since its reforms in 1978, highlighting the country’s role as the world’s second-largest economy. He urged the National People’s Congress to assist smaller and developing parliaments in building institutional capacity, describing such support as crucial for strengthening parliamentary diplomacy.
He commended China for its ongoing contributions to Liberia’s development, citing recent infrastructure projects, including the construction of two annexes at the Capitol Building and the groundbreaking of Liberia’s first overhead bridge, valued at USD 30 million. He also recognized China’s interventions in education, agriculture, and technical and vocational training.
“Liberia remains grateful for your magnanimous support, which is gradually elevating our country’s development,” Koon stressed, reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to the One China Policy.With the forum’s theme focused on “Building Global Partnership for Joint Advancement of Common and Sustainable Development,” Koon called on legislators to embrace unity and cooperation.
“Our collective efforts and shared commitment will generate genuine ideas in promoting cohesive legislative decisions that advance sustainable development globally,” he concluded. The 2025 Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges brings together parliamentary leaders from around the world to strengthen dialogue, promote cooperation, and build common solutions to global issues.
Author: Cooper K.Sangar Jr.
