The Minister of Internal Affairs, Varney A. Sirleaf, is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as guest of the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
During a meeting Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in the Emirates’ Capital Abu Dhabi, Shiekh Al Nahyan said the invitation to his Liberian counterpart was a result of the high-level bilateral cooperation between the two countries and friendship subsisting between Presidents of the two countries who share common values.
Sheikh Al Nahyan described Liberia as an important country to the UAE and the rest of the world.
A press release from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the two Ministers discussed several issues of mutual interests.
According to the release, the Liberian Internal Affairs Minister used the visit to seek partnership for private and public sector initiatives in both countries.
The Internal Affairs Minister appealed to the UAE official to support the Decentralization Program in the form of logistics, capacity building and other technical expertise.
“Under the Decentralization Program our Legislature passed a Law known as the Local Government Act of 2018 that essentially devolves certain fiscal, administrative and political powers to local and municipal authorities. If successfully carried out, basic human and social services would be easily accessed at local levels. To do this, we need trained personnel, basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) equipment and logistics,” Minister Sirleaf stressed.
Minister Sirleaf also sought assistance for Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
He said support to the LIS would enhance the institution’s capacity to effectively manage Liberia’s air, water and land borders.
The Internal Affairs Minister said it is important to strengthen the LNP for internal security and the maintenance of law and order because these are essential post-war peacebuilding initiatives.
He said technical and logistical support would be particularly crucial given the fact that Liberia is gearing up for Presidential and Legislative elections in October 2023, managed exclusively by Liberians.
Meanwhile, Sirleaf commended authorities of the United Arab Emirates for the state-of-the-art hospital complex constructed in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County.
He also lauded the UAE for standing with President George Manneh Weah for sponsoring many Liberian Muslims to Hajj in the last few years. “I have also come to seek further support towards this great initiative of our President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah who intends to sponsor more underprivileged Muslims,” Minister Sirleaf emphasized.
The Internal Affairs Minister said Liberians remain grateful for these gestures by UAE.
In response, Sheikh Al Nahyan said he was pleased to host the Liberian Internal Affairs Minister; pledging to collaborate with the Minister for the attainment of requests of the Minister.
He urged Minister Sirleaf to commission a technical team that will visit the UAE to work alongside UAE counterparts to finalize the details of the support.
“Your President is well known here. We respect his honesty and determination. Anything you want us to do, we will do.” Sheikh Al Nahyan declared.
He said the UAE is also interested in fostering bilateral cooperation and experience sharing for both public and private sectors.
Sheikh Al Nahyan, who is also UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister praised the Liberian community residing in the UAE for being one of the most peaceful and law-abiding groups of people in the Arab Nation.
