Monrovia, Mar 25 — Liberia is set to host Türkiye’s first resident embassy, a move that signals growing diplomatic and commercial engagement between the two countries.
A high-level Turkish delegation visited Monrovia on Monday, led by Mustafa Kemel Basa, Deputy Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs at Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The talks focused on establishing the embassy and laying the groundwork for Turkish Airlines to begin flights to Liberia, an unusual step, as Turkey typically opens an embassy before advancing commercial operations.
Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti highlighted the wider economic and strategic context. Türkiye has pledged support for revitalising Roberts International Airport, Liberia’s main international gateway, a project seen as critical to expanding regional connectivity and facilitating trade. She also urged Turkish investors to consider Liberia as a hub for cross-border commerce, particularly within the Mano River Union Basin.
Trade between the two countries remains modest but growing. Türkiye exported roughly $354.8 million to Liberia in 2024, while imports from Liberia were limited to $17.1 million, reflecting untapped potential in Liberian exports. Ankara has also invested in human capital development, offering scholarships to Liberian students since the early 1990s.
Basa said the embassy and airline operations were being fast-tracked following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s discussions with Liberian officials in 2025. The delegation is coordinating with security authorities and the Executive Mansion to ensure the embassy’s operational needs are met. He also invited Minister Nyanti to Ankara to advance plans for Liberia’s embassy in Türkiye and a proposed consulate in Istanbul.
