Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, is set to undertake a diplomatic mission to Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from January 21 to 26, 2024.
In Liberia, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to witness the inauguration of President-elect His Excellency Joseph Boakai.
The visit underscores the U.S. government’s dedication to collaborating with the newly elected administration and commends the Liberian people for conducting free and fair elections, marking the country’s second democratic transfer of power since the conclusion of the civil war in 2003.
During her stay in Monrovia, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will participate in the inauguration ceremony, hold discussions with Liberian government officials spanning multiple administrations, and engage with emerging leaders, the business community, and Liberian peacekeepers.
A pivotal moment will be the Ambassador’s keynote address on democracy at the Liberia Chamber of Commerce. Her speech will delve into the challenges to democracy in Africa and articulate the ways in which civilian-led democracies serve their citizens. Notably, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield previously served as the Ambassador to Liberia from 2008 to 2012.
Moving on to Guinea-Bissau, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will confer with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to discuss regional security and reaffirm the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations.
In Sierra Leone, the Ambassador is scheduled to meet with President Julius Maada Bio and other senior government officials to extend a warm welcome as Sierra Leone rejoins the UN Security Council. Discussions will cover various bilateral and multilateral issues.
While in Freetown, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield will engage with government representatives, opposition leaders, and the international community to address the ongoing implementation of the Agreement for National Unity. Additionally, she will visit the Sierra Leone Peace Museum and discuss shared priorities of Sierra Leone and the United States, including women and youth empowerment, climate change, and health.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Holds Talks with Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, engaged in a productive meeting with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Bissau today. The discussion encompassed crucial bilateral and regional matters, with a focus on addressing threats to stability in the region and advocating for a prompt democratic transition in Niger.
Attributed to U.S. Mission to the United Nations Spokesperson Nate Evans, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield conveyed gratitude for Guinea-Bissau’s leadership during its tenure as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2022 to 2023. The Ambassador and President Embalo delved into potential avenues for strengthened bilateral collaboration between Guinea-Bissau and the United States. The talks also touched upon issues pertaining to Guinea-Bissau’s ongoing democratic progress and efforts to maintain stability.
The meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to fostering diplomatic ties, addressing regional challenges, and promoting democratic values for the collective well-being of the region. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed optimism for continued cooperation and partnership between Guinea-Bissau and the United States in the pursuit of shared objectives.
