Foreign relations of Liberia

Template:Short description Template:Sidebar with collapsible lists Liberian foreign relations were traditionally stable and cordial throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a significant relationship with the United States, sharing close relations until the 1970s.

During the 1990s, Charles Taylor's presidency and the First and Second Liberian Civil Wars underscored Liberian relations with the Western world, the People's Republic of China, and its neighboring countries in Western Africa.

Stabilization in the 21st century brought a return to cordial relations with neighboring countries and much of the Western world. Liberia holds diplomatic relations with many western nations, including its long time partner the United States, as well as Russia, Cuba, and the People's Republic of China.

Diplomatic relations

List of countries with which Liberia maintains diplomatic relations:

File:Diplomatic relations of Liberia.svg
#	Country	Date
1	United Kingdom	Template:Dts
2	France	Template:Dts
3	United States	Template:Dts
4	Haiti	Template:Dts
5	Belgium	Template:Dts
—	Holy See	Template:Dts
6	Chile	Template:Dts
7	Netherlands	Template:Dts
8	Spain	Template:Dts
9	Lebanon	Template:Dts
10	Italy	Template:Dts
11	Germany	Template:Dts
12	Ghana	Template:Dts
13	Israel	Template:Dts
14	Tunisia	Template:Dts
15	Ethiopia	Template:Dts
16	Sweden	Template:Dts
17	Egypt	Template:Dts
18	Turkey	Template:Dts
19	Dominican Republic	Template:Dts
20	Guinea	Template:Dts
21	Serbia	Template:Dts
—	Sovereign Military Order of Malta	Template:Dts
22	Argentina	Template:Dts
23	Morocco	Template:Dts
24	Democratic Republic of the Congo	Template:Dts
25	India	Template:Dts
26	Switzerland	Template:Dts
27	Togo	Template:Dts
28	Nigeria	Template:Dts
29	Mali	Template:Dts
30	Cameroon	Template:Dts
31	Luxembourg	Template:Dts
32	Ivory Coast	Template:Dts
33	Japan	Template:Dts
34	Sierra Leone	Template:Dts
35	Sudan	Template:Dts
36	Senegal	Template:Dts
37	Austria	Template:Dts
38	Denmark	Template:Dts
39	Benin	Template:Dts
40	Burkina Faso	Template:Dts
41	Niger	Template:Dts
42	South Korea	Template:Dts
43	Kenya	Template:Dts
44	Norway	Template:Dts
45	Venezuela	Template:Dts
46	Gambia	Template:Dts
47	Trinidad and Tobago	Template:Dts
48	Indonesia	Template:Dts
49	Tanzania	Template:Dts
50	Thailand	Template:Dts
51	Mauritania	Template:Dts
52	Uganda	Template:Dts
53	Lesotho	Template:Dts
54	Pakistan	Template:Dts
55	Finland	Template:Dts
56	Central African Republic	Template:Dts
57	Canada	Template:Dts
58	Algeria	Template:Dts
59	Kuwait	Template:Dts
60	Zambia	Template:Dts
61	Romania	Template:Dts
62	Russia	Template:Dts
63	Poland	Template:Dts
64	Czech Republic	Template:Dts
65	North Korea	Template:Dts
66	Guinea-Bissau	Template:Dts
67	Saudi Arabia	Template:Dts
68	Libya	Template:Dts
69	Cuba	Template:Dts
70	Philippines	Template:Dts
71	Greece	Template:Dts
72	Bulgaria	Template:Dts
73	Guyana	Template:Dts
74	Portugal	Template:Dts
75	Iran	Template:Dts
76	Gabon	Template:Dts
77	Cape Verde	Template:Dts
78	Mongolia	Template:Dts
79	Brazil	Template:Dts
80	Mexico	Template:Dts
81	Hungary	Template:Dts
82	China	Template:Dts
83	Republic of the Congo	Template:Dts
84	Ecuador	Template:Dts
85	Equatorial Guinea	Template:Dts
86	Iraq	Template:Dts
87	Somalia	Template:Dts
88	Zimbabwe	Template:Dts
89	Singapore	Template:Dts
90	Colombia	Template:Dts
91	Namibia	Template:Dts
92	Slovenia	Template:Dts
93	Azerbaijan	Template:Dts
94	South Africa	Template:Dts
95	Malaysia	Template:Dts
96	Slovakia	Template:Dts
97	Ukraine	Template:Dts
98	Costa Rica	Before 1999
99	Cyprus	Template:Dts
100	Ireland	Template:Dts
101	Iceland	Template:Dts
102	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Template:Dts
103	Uruguay	Template:Dts
104	Estonia	Template:Dts
105	Jordan	Template:Dts
106	Malta	Template:Dts
107	Australia	Template:Dts
108	Mozambique	Template:Dts
109	Malawi	Template:Dts
110	United Arab Emirates	Template:Dts
111	Sri Lanka	Template:Dts
112	Qatar	Template:Dts
113	Angola	Template:Dts
114	Bosnia and Herzegovina	Template:Dts
115	Template:Country data Georgia	Template:Dts
116	Botswana	Template:Dts
117	Tuvalu	Template:Dts
—	Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (suspended)	30 October 2012 or before
118	Fiji	Template:Dts
119	Montenegro	Template:Dts
120	Latvia	Template:Dts
121	Lithuania	Template:Dts
122	New Zealand	Template:Dts
123	Belarus	Template:Dts
124	Kazakhstan	Template:Dts
125	Kyrgyzstan	Template:Dts
126	Vietnam	Template:Dts
127	Laos	Template:Dts
128	Myanmar	Template:Dts
129	Rwanda	Template:Dts
130	Nepal	Template:Dts
131	Armenia	Template:Dts
—	Kosovo	Template:Dts
132	Burundi	Template:Dts
133	Tajikistan	Template:Dts
134	Jamaica	Template:Dts
135	Barbados	Template:Dts
136	Bahrain	Template:Dts
137	Croatia	Template:Dts
138	Uzbekistan	Template:Dts
139	Bolivia	Template:Dts
140	Chad	Unknown
141	Eswatini	Unknown

Bilateral relations

Africa

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Algeria	31 December 1971	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 December 1971 when Algeria established first Mission and first Algerian Ambassador Mr. Zitouni Messaoudi presented his credentials to President of Liberia.
Benin	1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1963 when M. Pierre Cofi, the Ambassador of the Ivory Coast has presented his Letters of credence to President Tubman, from the Presidents of Republics of the Upper Volta, Niger and Dahomey, accrediting him Ambassador of the free states to the Republic of Liberia.
Botswana	21 September 2010	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 September 2010 when Ambassador of Liberia to Botswana Mr. Lois Lewis Brutus presented his credentials to President Seretse Khama.
Cameroon	23 November 1960	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 November 1960 when open Embassy of Cameroon in Monrovia.
Cote d'Ivoire	31 July 1961	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 July 1961 Ivory Coast has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia has an embassy in Abidjan.
Egypt	11 June 1958	Both countries established diplomatic relations and exchange diplomatic representations at ambassadorial level on 11 June 1958.
Equatorial Guinea	1980	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Liberia, residing in Lagos M. Jose Walterio Okori Dougan.
Ethiopia	1958	Both countries have agreed to exchange diplomatic missions at Embassy level in 1958.
Gambia	3 November 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1965 when has been accredited Ambassador of Liberia to Gambia Mr. R. Francis Okai (Jnr.).
Ghana	June 1957	Both countries established diplomatic relations in June 1957 when M. Abraham Benjamin Bah Kofi, Ghanaian Charge d'Affaires to Liberia presented his credentials to President Tubman.
Guinea	6 March 1959	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1959 when Mr. Edward Peal, the Liberian Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea, presented his credentials to President S. Toure. The First Liberian Civil War, instigated by Charles Taylor and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on December 24, 1989, eventually spread to neighboring Sierra Leone in 1991 when dissidents of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), led by Foday Sankoh, began using Liberia as a staging ground for NPFL backed military assaults on border towns in Sierra Leone. By 1992, 120,000 people had fled from Sierra Leone to Guinea due to the RUF's practice of targeting civilians. In 2001, Liberian forces along with the RUF began attacking and burning refugee camps and Guinean villages along the border. In an inflammatory speech the Guinean president Lansana Conté, blamed the refugees for the border destabilization and alleged that the vast majority of refugees were rebels. He called for the Guinean population to defend its nation. This call precipitated attacks, beatings, rapes, and abductions of refugees by Guinean police and military forces. This reversal of Guinea's previously open policy towards refugees, further escalated the refugee crisis as refugees attempted to cross back through RUF territory. By 2002, the United Nations estimated that three million people, or one in five people of the Mano River Union countries, were displaced. Guinea has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia has an embassy in Conakry.
Kenya	21 May 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 May 1964 when Liberia's Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. George Padmore, has presented his credentials to the Governor-General of Kenya.
Libya	1 April 1974	See Liberia–Libya relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 April 1974. Liberia's relationship with Libya has been characterized by Muammar Gaddafi's attempts at bringing Liberia under greater Libyan influence. Relations under the Doe administration were poor, owing to efforts by the United States to undermine Gaddafi's leverage, and Doe's cynicism of the Libyan leader's intentions. Gaddafi financially and militarily backed rebel leader Charles Taylor, under whose regime Liberia sought closer relations with Libya. After Taylor was ousted in 2003, Liberia continued to maintain diplomatic relations with Libya, only severing them after the onset of the Libyan Civil War, and just recently reestablishing them.
Mali	14 October 1960	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 October 1960 when established Embassy of Mali in Liberia and appointed first Chargé d'Affaires Mr. Sango Ibrahima in Monrovia
Mauritania	13 March 1967	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 13 March 1967 when Ambassador of Mauritania to Liberia M. Bakar Ould Ahmedou, has presented his credentials to President Tubman.
Mozambique	17 December 2008	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 December 2008 when has been accredited Ambassador of Liberia to Mozambique.
Namibia	28 April 1990	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1990 In 1960, Liberia and Ethiopia brought litigation against apartheid South Africa in the International Court of Justice to end its illegal occupation of Namibia. As part of Liberia's support for Namibia's liberation struggle, many Namibian students received Liberian passports which helped them study abroad. As of July 2008, a total of 5,900 Namibia Defence Force troops had been rotated through Liberia as part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Namibia maintained a battalion of about 800 personnel in Grand Cape Mount county for several years, for most of the period part of UNMIL Sector 2, headquartered at Tubmanburg. In May 2005, Namibian troops were accused of sexual exploitation of young girls and women; three Namibian soldiers were sent home from the force after a United Nations investigation found them guilty of "engaging in sexual activity with civilians", which is against United Nations rules for peacekeepers. Liberia is accredited to Namibia from its embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. Namibia is accredited to Liberia from its high commission in Abuja, Nigeria.
Nigeria	1 October 1960	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1960 when the Nigerian Government has agreed to Liberia's raising the status its consulate general in Lagos to that of an Embassy on the same date. Liberia has an embassy in Abuja. Nigeria has an embassy in Monrovia.
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic		Liberia began recognizing the SADR on 31 July 1985. Liberia revoked its recognition in September 1997. By 2012, Liberia had re-established relations with the SADR.
Senegal	1962	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962 when has been accredited Ambassador of Senegal to Liberia M. Amadou Lamine Sall.
Sierra Leone	8 June 1962	See Liberia-Sierra Leone relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 June 1962 when has been appointed first ambassador of Liberia to Sierra Leone Mr. Henry B. Fahnbulleh. The First Liberian Civil War, instigated by Charles Taylor and the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) on December 24, 1989, eventually spread to neighboring Sierra Leone in 1991 when dissidents of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), led by Foday Sankoh, began using Liberia as a staging ground for NPFL backed military assaults on border towns in Sierra Leone. Guinea and Sierra Leone have accused Liberia of backing rebels who have devastated their countries. Liberia has an embassy in Freetown. Sierra Leone has an embassy in Monrovia.
Somalia	1980	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited Ambassador of Somalia to Liberia, residing in Dakar, M. Jaallee-Abdinur Yusuf Mohamed.
South Africa	10 January 1997	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1997 Liberia has an embassy in Pretoria. South Africa has an embassy in Monrovia.
Tanzania	27 May 1966	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 May 1966 when first Ambassador of Liberia to Tanzania Henry Bima Fahnbulleh presented his credentials to President Nyerere
Togo	29 July 1960	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 July 1960 when accredited first Ambassador of Liberia to Togo Mr. John Cox.
Zambia	3 April 1972	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1972 when first Zambian Ambassador to Liberia Mr. Siteke G. Mwale presented his credentials

Americas

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Haiti	29 June 1952	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 June 1952. Haiti and Liberia recognized each other in 1864. The two countries established treaties of friendship and commerce the same year.
Mexico	22 June 1976	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 June 1976 Liberia is accredited to Mexico from its embassy in Washington, D.C., United States. Mexico is accredited to Liberia from its embassy in Accra, Ghana.
Trinidad and Tobago	6 December 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 December 1965 when was accredited first ambassador of Liberia to Trinidad and Tobago (resident in Haiti) Mr. William B. Fernandez
United States	23 February 1864	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 February 1864 See Liberia–United States relations U.S. relations with Liberia date back to 1819 when the US Congress appropriated $100,000 for the establishment of Liberia. After official US recognition of Liberia in 1862, the two nations shared very close ties until strains in the 1970s due to Liberia's establishment of diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and other Eastern Bloc countries. During the 1980s, the United States forged especially close ties with Liberia as part of a Cold War effort to suppress socialist and Marxist movements in Africa. Liberia received between $500 million and $1.3 billion during the 1980s from the United States government. The rise of Charles Taylor's government, the Liberian Civil War, regional instability and human rights abuses interrupted the previously close relations between Liberia and the United States. The United States cut direct financial and military aid to the Liberian government, withdrew Peace Corps operations, imposed a travel ban on senior Liberian Government officials, and frequently criticized Charles Taylor's government. Due to intense pressure from the international community and the United States, Charles Taylor resigned his office on August 11, 2003. The resignation and exile of Charles Taylor in 2003 brought changes in diplomatic ties between the United States and Liberia. The United States proposed a United Nations Security Council draft resolution to authorize the deployment of a multi-national stabilization force, and 200 marines as well as warships were sent to Monrovia's airport to support the peace-keeping effort. The United States committed $1.16 billion to Liberia between 2004 and 2006. In 2009, A 17.5 million dollar contract to support elections was offered to Liberia with International Foundation for Electoral Systems as the conduit. This money is meant to support the presidential election of 2011 and the general election of 2014. Liberia has an embassy in Washington, D.C., and consulate-generals in New York City, Atlanta and Minneapolis. United States has an embassy in Monrovia.
Venezuela	16 March 1965	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 March 1965

Asia

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
China	17 February 1977	See China–Liberia relations Relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Liberia have been broken and reestablished several times since February 17, 1977, when diplomatic relations between the PRC and Liberia were first formed. The PRC broke off relations with Liberia on October 10, 1989, in response to Liberia's recognition of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Taiwan had offered $200 million in aid to Liberia for education and infrastructure in exchange for this recognition. The PRC reestablished relations with Liberia on August 10, 1993, and opened an embassy in Monrovia, making Liberia one of the few nations with established diplomatic ties to both the PRC and ROC. In 1997, Charles Taylor's government proclaimed to recognize "two Chinas" and the PRC subsequently severed diplomatic relations. Liberia dropped diplomatic relations with the ROC on October 12, 2003, and reestablished ties with the People's Republic of China. This move was seen largely as a result of the PRC's lobbying in the UN and plans to deploy a peacekeeping force in Liberia. China has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia has an embassy in Beijing.
India	7 July 1960	See India–Liberia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 July 1960 Indian-Liberian relations have traditionally been strong and cordial with Liberia's full-fledged support for India's stand on Kashmir and India's aspiration for permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council. In recent years, both nations have developed close and extensive cooperation in trade, military and strategic fields. Amidst India's growing role in Liberia, the Liberian Minister of Mines and Energy, Dr. Eugene Shannon visited India in October 2005 to participate in the Confederation of Indian Industry-Africa Conclave. In 2008, the President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was invited to visit India. Major items of Indian exports include engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, two wheelers, transportation equipment, steel and plastic products. Major items of imports are gold, diamonds, timber and metal scrap. Following lifting of United Nations sanctions, timber concessions have been awarded to Indian firms. Overall, Indian investments in Liberia have been increased from US$450 million in 2005 to an estimated $2 billion in 2009. India has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia maintains an honorary consulate in New Delhi.
Iran	2 June 1975	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 June 1975 In 2023, an Iranian drone struck the Liberian flagged chemical tanker Chem Pluto.
Iraq	1980	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited Ambassador of Iraq to Liberia, residing in Lagos M. Saffa Mohammed Ali.
Israel	22 August 1957	See Israel–Liberia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 August 1957. Liberia and Israel established ties in 1957 with the accreditation of Israeli ambassador Ehud Avriel. Liberia severed ties with Israel over the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Relations are re-established in 1983. On 8 June 2022, Liberia announced its plans to open a trade office in Jerusalem, which is to become an embassy.
Japan	September 1961	Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1961 Liberia is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
Laos	12 August 2016	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 August 2016 Liberia is accredited to Laos through its embassy in Beijing, China. Laos does not have an accreditation to Liberia.
Lebanon	1 January 1951	Both countries established diplomatic relations when Liberian and Lebanese Governments to raise their Consulates General to the status of Legations, and a proclamation was issued announcing that the change would take effect from 1 January 1951. In 1957 both countries raise their Legations to status of Embassies
Pakistan	1969	Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1969 when has been accredited Pakistan's first Ambassador to Liberia M. Ali Arshad.
South Korea	18 March 1964	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 March 1964 In 2001 Bilateral Trade were Exports $7,350,000,000 (Ships, Automobile) Imports $1,270,000 (Used Ships, Mineral Fuel).
Turkey	1 August 1958	See Liberia–Turkey relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 August 1958 Embassy of Liberia in Brussels is accredited to Turkey. Turkish Embassy in Accra is accredited to Liberia. Trade volume between the two countries was US$191.9 million in 2019.
Vietnam	28 June 2016	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 2016 During the Cold War, Liberia maintained diplomatic relations with South Vietnam only. Vietnam is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Liberia is accredited to Vietnam through its embassy in Beijing, China.

Europe

Country	Formal Relations Began	Notes
Belgium	5 June 1867	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1867 when has been appointed Chargé d'Affaires of Liberia to Belgium (resident in Paris) M. le vicomte de Fleury.
Denmark	Template:Dts 25 July 1963	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 July 1963 when was accredited first Ambassador of Denmark to Liberia (resident in Accra) Mr. Hans Adolf Biering
Finland		Finland is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Liberia is accredited to Finland through its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
France	20 April 1852	See France–Liberia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 April 1852 France recognized Liberia in 1852. France has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia has an embassy in Paris.
Germany	23 July 1953	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1953 See Germany–Liberia relations Liberia has an embassy in Berlin. Germany has an embassy in Monrovia.
Italy	5 October 1951	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 October 1951 when has been accredited first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Italy to Liberia Mr. Umberto Campini.
Netherlands	3 May 1949	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 May 1949. 27 March 1936 has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Liberia to the Netherlands Baron Otto van den Bogaerde van Terbrugge. The Netherlands recognized Liberia in 1862. The two countries signed a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation on 20 December 1862.
Norway		Liberia is accredited to Norway through its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Norway is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Accra, Ghana.
Russia	7 June 1972	Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 June 1972. Liberia and Russia resumed bilateral relations in March 2010 and cited a recent exploration of mine by a Russian company as a sign of future trade relations.
Spain	15 May 1950	See Liberia–Spain relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 May 1950 Liberia is accredited to Spain from its embassy in Paris, France. Spain is accredited to Liberia from its embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Sweden		Liberia is accredited to Sweden through its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Sweden has an embassy in Monrovia.
United Kingdom	1 August 1849	See Liberia–United Kingdom relations File:Co-chairs of the High Level Panel in London (8147175093).jpg British Prime Minister David Cameron with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in London, November 2012. Liberia established diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom on 1 August 1849. Liberia maintains an embassy in London. The United Kingdom is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Monrovia. Both countries share common membership of the Atlantic Co-operation Pact, the International Criminal Court, the United Nations, and the World Trade Organization. Bilaterally the two countries have a Development Partnership. and a Tax Information Exchange Agreement. The UK was amongst the first countries to recognise the new republic. After the visit to the UK in 1848 of President Roberts, Queen Victoria put the Royal Navy ship HMS Amazon at the disposal of him and his family, for his return journey to Liberia. In 1961, Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to Liberia, arriving at Monrovia on the HMY Britannia. President Tubman made a gift of two Pygmy hippopotamus, which arrived by cargo ship in 1962 and were sent to Whipsnade Zoo. In 1962, President Tubman and his wife visited the UK.

Diplomatic Agreements

Liberia is a founding member of the United Nations (see Permanent Representative of Liberia to the United Nations) and its specialized agencies and is a member of the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Development Bank (ADB), Mano River Union (MRU) and the Non-Aligned Movement. Liberia is also a member of the International Criminal Court with a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of protection for the US-military (as covered under Article 98).

See also

• List of diplomatic missions in Liberia
• List of diplomatic missions of Liberia