The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr. has promised massive reform of the Ministry as he embarks on an intensive four-day-retreat intended to provide a blueprint to guide the affairs of the Ministry.

Liberia’s Foreign Minister said he would ensure that President Weah’s vision of making passport affordable would be realized in the soonest possible time.

 Minister Kemayah said he has a three-fold-vision for the Liberian passport. The Minister said in the next few days the price of the Liberian passport would reduce and become more accessible, with drastic reduction in waiting time.

The Liberian top diplomat said in spite of it affordability and accessibility, he would ensure that the Liberian passport will continue to maintain credibility and improved integrity.    

The Four-day-retreat which started on Tuesday October 20, 2020 brought together members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Co-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Chairman of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as employees of the Ministry to deliberate on cogent issues for the betterment of the Ministry.

According to a Foreign Ministry release, the retreat is being held under the theme “Envisioning and Enhancing the Future of the Foreign Policy of Liberia- During and Post COVID-19”

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the event, Minister Kemayah said the purpose of the retreat is to develop a blueprint from a participatory process.

He said as a Minister, it would be extremely challenging to conduct the affairs of the Ministry without a proper framework or vision that would enable the Ministry in its execution of Liberia’s Foreign Policy objectives.

Minister Kemayah said the retreat would among other things discover what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could be when it is at its best, develop a common understanding on how to enhance the shared vision of H.E. President George Manneh Weah and also identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the Ministry.

He said the retreat for the home office, which is aimed at strengthening the country’s image, is the first phase of three part series  that will be extended to Foreign Service Officers at Liberia’s diplomatic missions abroad, and honorary consuls,  the Foreign Service of Liberia.

While commenting on the role of foreign partners, Minister Kemayah described the international partners as an indispensable and integral part in the reconstruction process of Liberia. He said international partners continue to do extremely well for the Government and people of Liberia.

The Liberian Foreign Minister called on international partners not to hesitate in sharing ideas, suggestions and observation on the workings of the Government of Liberia which he said will further keep the country on a trajectory of positivity.

The Dean of the cabinet called on well-meaning Liberians to embrace the international community adding “As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will leave no stone unturned in engaging international partners to promote ties at both bilateral and multilateral levels”.

Earlier, the Keynote Speaker of the retreat, Dr. Kingsley Opoku Amaning, United Nations Resident Coordinator, a.i. said Liberian Foreign Missions must exert efforts at promoting a positive image of the Country thus attracting foreign investments aimed at boosting the Liberian economy.

Dr. Amaning emphasized that in other to further accelerate development in the country, the Government will have to intensify efforts at effectively utilizing link with bilateral and multilateral partners for increased support in line with the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development.

Also making remarks, the Special Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, H.E. Babatunde Ajisomo thanked Minister Kemayah for organizing the retreat describing the Minister as a practical leader in whom he has explicit confidence to move the Ministry to a new height.

Ambassador Ajisomo also hailed the Liberian Government for the level of security provided for diplomats in Liberia and also used the occasion to call on the Liberian Senate for increased budgetary support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad.

For his part, the Co- Chair on the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rivergee County Senator Commany Wesseh called on young diplomats to accord respect to the senior and experienced diplomats and should be willing to learn at all times.

He urged members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both at home and abroad to always conduct themselves honorably while representing the interest of their country.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change, Morluba Morlu, extolled the diplomatic community for the support it continues to render Liberia.

“I want you to know that we appreciate you so highly, you have extended to us resources that could be used in your respective countries.” He added. Chairman Morlu assured the international community and the Liberian people of a free, fair and transparent election. Liberians will go to the polls on December 8, 2020 to elect fifteen senators, and replace two vacant seats in the lower house. Chairman Morlu made the disclosure at the official opening ceremony of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  

Day one of the four-day-retreat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs captured speeches, tour of the table and overview of activities to be covered during the course of the four days retreat.