By Bill W. Cooper
Days following his appointment by President Joseph Boakai, Teeko Yorlay has officially assumed the role of Liberia’s Ambassador to France, marking a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations.
The ceremony, held at the Liberian Embassy in Paris, was attended by dignitaries, including Finance Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan, Justice Minister Oswald Tweh, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Commissioners, Patrick Honnah and Clarence Massaquoi and members of the Liberian community in France.
However, Yorlay’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Liberia and the Unity Party (UP) government, as the country seeks to strengthen its international ties and promote its interests on the global stage.
The ceremony was marked by a sense of optimism and hope for the future, as Liberia, a nation that has faced numerous challenges over the years, including civil conflict and economic instability, is now poised to leverage its rich resources and cultural heritage to attract foreign investment and tourism.
Ambassador Yorlay’s appointment is now being seen as a strategic move by President Boakai to enhance Liberia’s visibility in Europe and to build partnerships that can drive sustainable development.
In his address on Sunday, 9 February 2025, to the gathering, Ambassador Yorlay emphasized the importance of his new role and stated, “We are here to champion Liberians and Liberia’s interests.”
Yorlay noted, “Our mission is to also foster stronger ties between Liberia and France, to promote trade, investment, and cultural exchange, and to ensure that the voice of Liberia is heard in the corridors of power.”
While speaking, Yorlay’s words further resonated with the audience, reflecting a commitment to advancing Liberia’s agenda in one of Europe’s most influential capitals, thus receiving a rousing hand of applause.
In his speech, Amb. Yorlay also highlighted the potential for collaboration between Liberia and France, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, education, and infrastructure, in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda.
He asserted, “We are eager to explore cooperation that will lead to mutual growth and prosperity, and my vision as your representative aligns with the broader goals of the government, which has been actively seeking to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on traditional sectors.”
In addition to economic partnerships, Amb. Yorlay is also committed to promoting cultural exchange between Liberia and France and said he believes that fostering a deeper understanding of Liberia’s rich history and diverse culture is essential for building lasting relationships.
“Culture is a powerful tool for diplomacy, as such, by sharing our stories, our art, and our traditions, we can create a bridge of understanding that transcends borders and benefits our two nations,” he intoned.
He added, “We have a lot of work to do, but I am confident that with determination and collaboration from all of you, my staff, we can achieve our goals because our people deserve a better future, and it is our duty to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.”
Meanwhile, Amb. Yorlay’s appointment as Liberia’s Ambassador to France represents a significant opportunity for the country to enhance its international presence and advocate for its interests.
With a clear vision and a commitment to collaboration, Yorlay is poised to make a meaningful impact in strengthening ties between Liberia and France and embarks on a journey that holds the promise of a brighter future for his nation.