On September 12, 2024, Japan and Liberia took a significant step in their bilateral relations with a major rice donation valued at 400 million Japanese yen (approximately USD 2.7 million). This gesture is part of Japan’s Kennedy Rice (KR) Food Aid program, designed to boost food security in Liberia.
The donation was formalized during a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia. Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, underscored the importance of this contribution in strengthening ties between the two countries. She mentioned that the rice will be sold by the Liberian government to fund socio-economic projects not covered by the national budget.
Japanese Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Mochizuki Hisanobou, reiterated Japan’s commitment to the KR Food Aid program, emphasizing the vital role rice plays in the Liberian diet. This donation continues Japan’s long-standing tradition of supporting Liberia, aimed at enhancing food security and improving the well-being of its people.
