By Jamesetta D. Williams
Monrovia-Deputy Minister of Information for Public Affairs Daniel Sando has provided updates on several government activities, including President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s engagements at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), progress toward Liberia’s second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, maritime developments, sanitation enforcement in Monrovia, the 62nd anniversary of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), and a new defense cooperation agreement between Liberia and Egypt.
Minister Sando provided the updates Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.
On President Boakai’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Sando said the President’s engagements are focused on issues of national and international importance.
He said the government will continue to provide updates on the President’s meetings and engagements with world leaders and international partners.
Recent government information indicates that President Boakai’s UNGA engagements have included discussions on economic development, investment, infrastructure, private-sector growth and other areas of mutual interest with international partners.
Minister Sando also highlighted developments within Liberia’s maritime sector, particularly the operational performance and strategic importance of the Liberia Maritime Authority.
He said the country continues to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry through the Liberian maritime registry and its ability to attract vessels.
Liberia’s position in the international shipping industry has also been highlighted during recent international engagements, with the country recognized as hosting the world’s largest shipping registry by tonnage.
The Minister said the government remains interested in strengthening Liberia’s maritime sector and ensuring that the country continues to play an important role in the global shipping industry.
On the second MCC Compact, Minister Sando said senior Liberian government officials recently held discussions with officials of the Millennium Challenge Corporation in Washington, D.C.
He said the discussions focused on progress in Liberia’s compact development process and efforts to move the process into the joint design phase.
According to Sando, the Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its full support for accelerating the development of the second compact.
He said the government is also working to create the necessary policy and regulatory conditions to attract greater private-sector participation, particularly in the electricity sector.
The Minister said government remains committed to doing everything necessary to facilitate the development and approval of the second MCC Compact.
Meanwhile, Minister Sando said the government, through the relevant authorities, is stepping up enforcement of sanitation regulations in Monrovia.
He said several individuals have already been arrested for alleged sanitation violations, including illegal dumping of waste, littering, public urination and dumping waste in unauthorized areas.
Sando stressed that sanitation regulations apply to everyone and urged residents, businesses and communities to take responsibility for maintaining a clean environment.
He also called on members of the public to report sanitation violations to the appropriate authorities.
The government’s sanitation enforcement comes as President Boakai’s administration continues to place emphasis on improving urban sanitation. The Executive Mansion previously announced the Presidential Clean Cities Initiative, which links urban sanitation efforts with youth employment.
On the media, Minister Sando congratulated the leadership and membership of the Press Union of Liberia as the Union prepares to celebrate its 62nd anniversary on September 30.
He recognized the role of the Liberian media in promoting national dialogue, public awareness and democratic accountability.
Sando said a vibrant and responsible media remains an important source of information for advancing Liberia’s development.
He also welcomed the theme of this year’s PUL anniversary, which focuses on the role of an independent media in promoting democracy, accountability and sustainable development.
The Minister said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of the media and the need to strengthen professionalism, ethical reporting, responsible freedom of expression and constructive engagement in the national interest.
In another development, Minister Sando disclosed that Liberia and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed a defense cooperation protocol aimed at strengthening military and security relations between the two countries.
The agreement provides a framework for structured and long-term cooperation between Liberia’s Ministry of National Defense and Egypt’s defense authorities.
According to Sando, areas of cooperation include specialized training, intelligence and security, logistics services, exchange of technical expertise and cooperation involving special forces.
He said a joint committee with representatives from both countries will be established to oversee implementation of the agreement.
The protocol also provides for the designation of focal persons who will coordinate activities and communication between the two sides.
Minister Sando said the defense cooperation agreement is intended to strengthen Liberia’s military capacity while deepening the country’s security partnership with Egypt.
He said the government views the agreement as part of its broader efforts to strengthen Liberia’s national defense and expand cooperation with international partners.
The Information Ministry said the various updates form part of government’s continuing effort to keep the public informed about national developments, international engagements and ongoing programs.
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