Liberian President Joseph Boaka
The whereabouts of President Joseph Boakai after making a u-turn on his initial decision to attend the on-going Expo Japan 2025 is said to be causing unease in Monrovia, the Liberian capital.
According to a report by Liberia’s Independent Probe News, the Executive Mansion had days ago, announced President Boakai’s departure to attend the Tokyo International Conference on African Development and Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
It said however, that the Ministry of Information confirmed Tuesday that the President had made a decision not to attend Expo 2025, stating that the Liberia Leader would depart Japan upon completion of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development to attend other functions.
Even though MICAT did not mention those other functions, the paper said it learnt on Wednesday, President Boakai met with Dr. Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city with over 3.7 million residents, where the two discussed opportunities for city-to-city cooperation in water supply, waste management, port operations, and technical knowledge transfer.
President Boakai also extended an invitation for him to visit Liberia and engage with major cities, including Monrovia.
“This partnership holds great promise for strengthening Liberia’s maritime position, advancing urban renewal, and fostering people-to-people ties that support our administration’s ARREST Agenda,” according to a statement made by President Boakai during the meeting.
MICAT added that President Boakai has designated Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti to represent him.
“Up to news time, the Liberian leader has not arrived. The absence of President Boakai absence continued to fuel uneasiness among ordinary Liberians following widespread criticisms of the size of his delegation consisting of more than 20 members which many believed is huge and will cost the government a handsome amount to facilitate travels and accommodations,” said the Independent Probe News.
However, the Liberian Ambassador for Expo Japan 2025, Madam Juli Endee has since clarified that all expenses for the head of the Liberian delegation are fully covered by the Japanese government.
Expo 2025, is bringing together 162 Countries and International Organizations to showcase innovations, culture, investment opportunities, and sustainable development solutions for a better world.
Liberia’s participation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will highlight the nation’s rich cultural heritage, vast investment potential, tourism attractions, and commitment to sustainable development.
