Pres. Boakai Holds Bilateral Meeting with President Trump

On the margins of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., held a high-level bilateral meeting today with President Donald J. Trump. The meeting, held closed-door at the White House, focused on strengthening economic ties between the two countries, with particular emphasis on unlocking investment opportunities in Liberia’s mineral sector. During the structured engagement, President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the United States through a new economic diplomacy framework that prioritizes trade, investment, and private sector-driven development. “Liberia is open for business,” President Boakai stated. “We are committed to creating an enabling environment for American investors especially in the mineral, energy, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Our natural resource endowment, especially in critical minerals, presents a major opportunity for U.S. investment that is both profitable and transformative.” He added. President Boakai invited the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to partner with Liberia in conducting a nationwide mapping of its critical minerals, with a view to identifying strategic investment opportunities in rare earth elements, lithium, gold, and iron ore. He emphasized the importance of U.S. technical expertise in helping Liberia unlock the full potential of its mineral wealth in a way that is sustainable, transparent, and beneficial to local communities. President Trump welcomed the renewed momentum in U.S.-Liberia relations and praised President Boakai’s leadership in prioritizing economic reforms and rooting out corruption. He expressed strong support for expanded U.S. commercial engagement in Liberia and acknowledged the country’s strategic role in promoting regional stability and economic resilience in West Africa. The leaders also discussed the importance of job creation, particularly for youth, as a critical tool in safeguarding regional security and preventing extremism. President Boakai emphasized that the development of Liberia’s mineral sector could serve as a cornerstone for job creation, infrastructure development, and national revenue generation. The meeting concluded with President Trump congratulating President Boakai on the election to the UN Security Council Non Permanent seat while President Boakai congratulated President Trump on the 249th Independence of the United States and a joint commitment to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, security, and private sector development. Both leaders instructed their respective teams to accelerate follow-up actions and explore immediate avenues for technical collaboration and investment facilitation. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 addressed the historic US-African Leaders Summit held at the White House, where he joined four other African Heads of State in high-level discussions with President Donald J. Trump. The summit, aimed at strengthening ties between the United States and key African nations, focused on diplomacy, trade, security, and investment. In his remarks, President Boakai expressed Liberia’s gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the two nations, emphasizing shared values and mutual interests. “We recently celebrated your 249th Independence Anniversary at your Embassy in Monrovia, Mr. President. We thank you for the opportunity to be here today,” President Boakai stated. “Liberia has been a longstanding friend of the United States, and we believe in your vision of making America great again. Our partnership stretches far back, and we stand with you on economic diplomacy and commercial cooperation.” He added. President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s rich endowment of natural resources, calling for strengthened collaboration in the mineral sector. “Liberia has vast mineral potential, and as a good and trusted friend, we are seeking support to conduct comprehensive mineral surveys. This is vital to unlocking sustainable growth and mutual economic benefits,” he noted. The President reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to peace, stability, and democratic governance, citing the country’s progress in holding successive democratic elections and maintaining regional stability. “We are fortunate to have enjoyed relative peace and democratic continuity. Our country is steadily cooling down after years of conflict, and we are proud of the democratic path we continue to follow,” he said. The Liberian Leader also called for deeper American engagement in Liberia’s development journey, especially in the areas of investment, infrastructure, and security cooperation. “We would like to see increased American investment in Liberia. We believe the United States can play a key role in advancing peace and security within our region, and we are committed to working closely with you in that regard,” he added. The Summit marks a renewed chapter in Liberia–United States relations, as both nations commit to strengthening ties and advancing shared goals of peace, prosperity, and global cooperation.