This statement was made when the two countries signed a Framework Agreement for Bilateral Cooperation on Sunday, June 14, on the margins of the 25th Ordinary Summit of the African Union in South Africa.

Foreign Minister Augustine Ngafuan signed for Liberia, while the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, signed for South Africa.

According to a Foreign Ministry dispatch from Johannesburg, other critical areas of cooperation named are international relations, trade and investment, mining and geology, agriculture, animal husbandry, health, tourism, energy, water affairs and forestry.

Cooperation will also cover transport, public works, communication, justice, defense, education, youth and sports, environment, economy and finance, internal security and war veterans’ affairs.

The Foreign Ministry dispatch further disclosed that the parties agreed to establish a Joint Consultation Forum consisting of officials from both parties to monitor the implementation of the framework agreement and identify areas for further cooperation.

The two countries agreed to meet annually on an alternating basis in South Africa and Liberia.
LINA GDJ/PTK