By Stephen N. Sonpon
MONROVIA, Sept. 29 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has strengthened Liberia’s regional diplomatic engagement by holding bilateral talks with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the newly elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, bringing together the two West African leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest and matters affecting regional cooperation.
President Faye requested the meeting as both leaders participate in the high-level UNGA week, which has provided an important platform for heads of state and government to advance national, regional and international priorities.
The engagement comes shortly after President Faye assumed the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the regional bloc’s 69th Ordinary Summit held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on July 19, 2026, succeeding Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
President Faye’s leadership of ECOWAS comes at a critical period for West Africa, as the regional organization continues efforts to strengthen regional integration while addressing political, security and economic challenges confronting member states.
During the July summit, ECOWAS leaders adopted commitments aimed at advancing the future of regional integration and cooperation across West Africa.
The New York bilateral talk, therefore provides an opportunity for Liberia and Senegal to deepen their relations while exchanging views on broader regional priorities under the new ECOWAS leadership.
For Liberia, the engagement underscores the Boakai Administration’s continued emphasis on regional diplomacy, cooperation and partnerships as important instruments for advancing peace, stability and sustainable development.
The discussions between Presidents Boakai and Faye are also expected to contribute to broader conversations on how West African countries can strengthen collective responses to common challenges and promote economic and social development across the region.
President Boakai’s meeting with the Senegalese leader forms part of a broader series of diplomatic engagements during Liberia’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly.
At the United Nations, Liberia is participating in high-level discussions focused on global peace and security, sustainable development, international cooperation and Africa’s priorities on the global stage.
The President’s diplomatic engagements in New York also include participation in Ghana’s “Next Steps” High-Level Event on Reparatory Justice, where he proposed the establishment of a Liberia-Ghana framework to advance cooperation on cultural heritage and historical recovery.
The proposal seeks to create opportunities for both countries to work together on issues surrounding their shared historical experiences, cultural heritage and efforts to preserve and recover important aspects of African history.
President Boakai’s engagements during the UNGA high-level week consequently place Liberia’s regional and international priorities within broader conversations on development, peace, historical justice and cooperation.
The meeting with President Faye further highlights Liberia’s interest in maintaining strong relations with fellow ECOWAS member states and contributing to regional initiatives aimed at promoting peace, integration and sustainable development.