By Bill W. Cooper
Liberia’s Ambassador-Designate to France, Teeko Tozay Yorlay, has pledged to rebrand, reposition, and reimage the Liberian mission in Paris, aimed at enhancing partnerships that will significantly contribute to the nation’s social, political, and economic development.
Speaking at his confirmation hearing over the weekend, Yorlay emphasized the importance of aligning the mission’s objectives with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
He noted that when confirmed by the Liberian Senate, he would prioritize fostering recommitment to existing partnerships while seeking new collaborations that can drive Liberia’s development goals.
He highlighted the potential for France to play a pivotal role in supporting Liberia’s initiatives, particularly in agriculture and education, which are crucial for the country’s growth.
The Ambassador-Designate also expressed confidence that a revitalized mission in Paris could serve as a catalyst for attracting investment and expertise, ultimately benefiting the Liberian populace.
He noted, “In these challenging times regionally, continentally, and globally, the role of an ambassador extends beyond mere representation. My engagement with the French Republic, a key player in the international arena, will be critical to Liberia’s aspiration for economic development, peace, and sustainable progress.”
“My mission, growing out of our President and Foreign Minister’s, will be to ensure that Liberia’s voice is loudly heard, our interest is fully represented, and our potential conspicuously recognized within the broader context of European partnerships.
So, when confirmed, I will work to effectively represent Liberia and maintain fruitful and mutually beneficial diplomatic relations between Liberia and France plus Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, Cyprus, Monaco, UNESCO and other international organizations associated with them whose involvement in our country would bequeath desirous benefits to our country,” he assured.
Amb-designate Yorlay further indicated, “In pursuit of this, especially under the leadership of Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti, our country’s chief foreign policy implementer, and within the context of promoting economic and development diplomacy enveloped in our liberal foreign policy agenda deeply anchored on Liberalism.”
“I will endeavor to explore creative ways and opportunities to contribute my quota to the rebranding, repositioning, and reimaging of the Paris Mission to foster recommitment and improvement of partnerships that consequentially contribute to our commonwealth’s social, political and economic development objectives within the context of the AAID,” he vowed.
According to him, when confirmed, he will have jurisdiction over the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and thereby intend to trumpet and parrot the need for more investments in teachers training, and gender equality.
Others are youth development and empowerment, and tourism, among others, while focusing on representing and safeguarding Liberia’s interests in multilateral fora at UNESCO.
“I commit to impactfully participating in negotiations, advocating for national priorities, fostering mutually beneficial diplomatic relationships, and contributing to the advancement of global peace, security, development, and human rights.
Under my leadership and with Liberia on the Executive Board as the 58th member, I intend to ensure that the Permanent Delegation of Liberia to UNESCO remains a consequential member of the organization and multilaterally engages to ensure that our country continues to accrue the necessary dividends through the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism; and the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he added.
