Bali, Indonesia – Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. and Indonesian President Joko Widodo held a series of bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum in Bali today, focusing on enhancing ties between their two nations.
President Boakai expressed appreciation for the invitation to the forum and the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He highlighted the historical significance of their bilateral relationship, recalling the peak of cooperation in 2013 when the two countries established a Joint Commission to boost trade and mutual visits.
The Liberian leader acknowledged Indonesia’s pivotal role in supporting Liberia’s peace and stability during the civil conflict, noting Indonesia’s participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission and investment in the private sector. He specifically requested continued support for Indonesian companies operating in Liberia, emphasizing the need for backing the expansion of Golden Veroluem Limited (GVL), an Indonesian firm involved in the palm oil industry. President Boakai proposed establishing a palm oil refinery to enhance value addition and suggested revitalizing the Joint Commission and exchanging Resident Ambassadors to further strengthen relations.
In response, President Widodo expressed a strong interest in increasing investments in the palm oil sector and offered support in infrastructure development, capacity building, technical training, and scholarships. He invited Liberia to join the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOC) and to engage in the South-South Tropical Forest Collaboration, leveraging Liberia’s extensive forest resources.
President Widodo also proposed a partnership in rice importation to stabilize prices and enhance local rice production through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Additionally, he extended an invitation to Liberia to participate in the 68th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (AAC) scheduled for 2025.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing gratitude and a shared commitment to advancing the partnership between Liberia and Indonesia.
