Liberia, U.S. Hold High-Level Maritime Security Talks Amid Push for Economic Cooperation

NEW YORK — The Republic of Liberia and the United States of America on Sunday, held a high-level closed-door maritime roundtable in New York, convening senior foreign policy, national security, and maritime officials from both governments for strategic discussions on maritime security, economic cooperation, and the growing importance of secure sea lanes to global trade and supply chains.

According to a release, the roundtable was co-chaired by Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, and Ambassador Michael G. Waltz, Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations and former National Security Advisor to President Donald J. Trump.

Commissioner Neto Lighe and National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods led the technical presentations from the Liberian side. Discussions focused on maritime security, fisheries and the blue economy, and economic development opportunities of mutual interest to both nations.

Participation by the private sector and representatives from maritime nations, including Argentina and Panama, reflected broad international interest in the economic diplomacy framework guiding the engagement.

For Liberia, the roundtable underscored the country’s expanding role in global maritime affairs and its commitment to leveraging its strategic maritime position to advance national economic interests, deepen security cooperation, and attract investment. The engagement also reinforced the longstanding partnership between Liberia and the United States, with both sides affirming practical cooperation around shared economic and security priorities.

The Liberian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Nyanti and included National Security Advisor Samuel Kofi Woods; Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr.; and Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lewis G. Brown II.

The United States delegation was led by Ambassador Waltz and included Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs; Wesley R. Brooks, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, among other senior officials.

The seniority and breadth of both delegations, spanning African affairs, oceans and environmental policy, national security, and maritime administration, reflected the strategic scope of the discussions and the importance both governments place on deepening cooperation in the maritime domain.

The meeting was held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Liberia is engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic meetings.

Liberia is currently serving a two-year term on the United Nations Security Council for 2026 to 2027 and will assume the Presidency of the Council in December 2026, further elevating the country’s voice in international discussions on peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.