—- Engages Liberian Diaspora, Secures Regional Support, and Heads Home
President Joseph Boakai has returned to Liberia following a successful bilateral visit to the United States, which included high-level discussions at the White House.
During the visit, U.S. President Donald Trump commended Boakai for his eloquence and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening trade relations with Liberia, particularly in areas of economic development and national transformation.
President Boakai arrived back in the country aboard a private jet an action that has drawn mixed reactions. While some have praised the move as a sign of progress and prestige, others have criticized it as excessive or symbolic of equality.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., following his has successful high-level diplomatic and community engagement visit to the United States, departing Washington, D.C. on Thursday evening and arrived Saturday afternoon, July 11, 2025 in Liberia.
The visit, highlighted by his participation in a high-level U.S.-Africa Summit hosted by United States President Donald J. Trump at the White House, brought together five African Heads of State to discuss deepening cooperation in trade, security, commerce, and development.
President Boakai stood out as a respected statesman during the summit, where his message of stability, reform, and investment in Liberia drew notable attention from U.S. and African stakeholders alike.
In the final leg of his U.S. trip, President Boakai held several impactful engagements with Liberian communities and leaders across the United States. These meetings were organized under the guidance of Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Boakai then met with members of the Liberian Community of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area during an inspiring town hall event.
Community President Sebastian Teclar welcomed the President and presented him with a plaque of appreciation for his leadership, highlighting his Government’s efforts in national reconciliation, anti-corruption, and infrastructure development. Co-Chair Deaconess Esther Richard read the plaque’s citation.
The event also featured the reading of two official proclamations in honor of President Boakai’s visit. The first was issued by the State of Maryland and presented by Deputy Secretary of State Honorable Michael Lore, who also gifted the President a Maryland State flag. The second was presented on behalf of Prince George’s County by Councilwoman Wala Blegay.
In a separate meeting, a delegation from the Liberian Organization of the Piedmont in North Carolina discussed renewed plans to host President Boakai in Winston-Salem on a later date. The visit, originally scheduled for September 2024, was postponed due to a severe hurricane that struck the southeastern United States. New arrangements are currently underway.
President Boakai also met with leadership of the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), led by Founder and CEO Voffee Saye Jabateh. The delegation provided an update on ACANA’s ambitious $23 million “Africa Town” project in Southwest Philadelphia for which funding has already been secured. Mr. Jabateh expressed deep gratitude for President Boakai’s longstanding support of ACANA dating back to his tenure as Vice President.
Rounding out his engagements, the President welcomed key members of Unity Party USA who gathered to express solidarity and appreciation for his ongoing leadership of Liberia and the party.
With a strengthened diaspora connection and renewed commitments from U.S. partners, President Boakai ends his U.S. visit on a high note, poised to continue Liberia’s drive for inclusive growth, democratic governance, and international cooperation.
