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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

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:

#CountryDate
1United Kingdom1 August 1849
2France20 April 1852
3United States23 February 1864
4Haiti1864
5Belgium5 June 1867
—Holy See15 December 1927
6Chile19 July 1945
7Netherlands3 May 1949
8Spain15 May 1950
9Lebanon1 January 1951
10Italy5 October 1951
11Germany23 July 1953
12GhanaJune 1957
13Israel22 August 1957
14Tunisia1957
15Ethiopia4 June 1958
16Sweden6 June 1958
17Egypt11 June 1958
18Turkey1 August 1958
19Dominican Republic18 December 1958
20Guinea6 March 1959
21Serbia15 September 1959
—Sovereign Military Order of Malta1959
22Argentina8 January 1960
23Morocco5 April 1960
24Democratic Republic of the Congo30 June 1960
25India7 July 1960
26Switzerland19 July 1960
27Togo29 July 1960
28Nigeria1 October 1960
29Mali14 October 1960
30Cameroon23 November 1960
31Luxembourg20 January 1961
32Ivory Coast31 July 1961
33JapanSeptember 1961
34Sierra Leone8 June 1962
35Sudan8 August 1962
36Senegal1962
37Austria25 June 1963
38Denmark11 July 1963
39Benin1963
40Burkina Faso1963
41Niger1963
42South Korea18 March 1964
43Kenya21 May 1964
44Norway17 February 1965
45Venezuela16 March 1965
46Gambia3 November 1965
47Trinidad and Tobago6 December 1965
48Indonesia1965
49Tanzania27 May 1966
50Thailand2 February 1967
51Mauritania13 March 1967
52Uganda5 April 1967
53Lesotho20 October 1968
54Pakistan1969
55Finland24 March 1970
56Central African Republic5 May 1970
57Canada24 February 1971
58Algeria31 December 1971
59Kuwait1971
60Zambia3 April 1972
61Romania30 April 1972
62Russia7 June 1972
63Poland30 May 1973
64Czech Republic15 October 1973
65North Korea20 December 1973
66Guinea-Bissau20 February 1974
67Saudi Arabia30 March 1974
68Libya1 April 1974
69Cuba19 April 1974
70Philippines20 May 1974
71Greece29 May 1974
72Bulgaria1 November 1974
73Guyana11 November 1974
74Portugal19 March 1975
75Iran2 June 1975
76Gabon17 June 1975
77Cape Verde27 July 1975
78Mongolia23 April 1976
79Brazil8 June 1976
80Mexico22 June 1976
81Hungary15 July 1976
82China17 February 1977
83Republic of the Congo10 August 1979
84Ecuador31 March 1980
85Equatorial Guinea1980
86Iraq1980
87Somalia1980
88Zimbabwe15 October 1982
89Singapore7 January 1987
90Colombia28 September 1988
91Namibia28 April 1990
92Slovenia30 March 1993
93Azerbaijan22 May 1996
94South Africa10 January 1997
95Malaysia1997
96Slovakia6 March 1998
97Ukraine24 September 1998
98Costa RicaBefore 1999
99Cyprus30 November 2000
100Ireland2004
101Iceland28 November 2006
102Saint Vincent and the Grenadines2 May 2007
103Uruguay1 June 2007
104Estonia28 June 2007
105Jordan10 December 2007
106Malta20 May 2008
107Australia26 September 2008
108Mozambique17 December 2008
109Malawi26 February 2009
110United Arab Emirates6 May 2009
111Sri Lanka17 July 2009
112Qatar3 November 2009
113Angola3 December 2009
114Bosnia and Herzegovina23 February 2010
115Georgia4 March 2010
116Botswana21 September 2010
117Tuvalu28 August 2012
—Sahrawi Republic (suspended)30 October 2012 or before
118Fiji15 November 2012
119Montenegro4 April 2014
120Latvia10 April 2014
121Lithuania23 April 2014
122New Zealand26 August 2014
123Belarus27 April 2016
124Kazakhstan27 April 2016
125Kyrgyzstan17 June 2016
126Vietnam28 June 2016
127Laos12 August 2016
128Myanmar5 May 2017
129Rwanda16 May 2017
130Nepal17 August 2017
131Armenia22 September 2017
—Kosovo27 May 2018
132Burundi22 January 2020
133Tajikistan21 September 2022
134Jamaica22 September 2022
135Barbados27 February 2024
136Bahrain26 September 2024
137Croatia26 September 2024
138Uzbekistan26 September 2024
139Bolivia2024
140Seychelles13 February 2026
141Monaco10 March 2026
142ChadUnknown
143EswatiniUnknown

Bilateral relations

Africa

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Algeria31 December 1971Both 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.
Benin1963Both 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.
Botswana21 September 2010Both 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.
Cameroon23 November 1960Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 November 1960 when open Embassy of Cameroon in Monrovia.
Cote d'Ivoire31 July 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 July 1961 Ivory Coast has an embassy in Monrovia. Liberia has an embassy in Abidjan.
Egypt11 June 1958Both countries established diplomatic relations and exchange diplomatic representations at ambassadorial level on 11 June 1958.
Equatorial Guinea1980Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to Liberia, residing in Lagos M. Jose Walterio Okori Dougan.
Ethiopia1958Both countries have agreed to exchange diplomatic missions at Embassy level in 1958.
Gambia3 November 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 November 1965 when has been accredited Ambassador of Liberia to Gambia Mr. R. Francis Okai (Jnr.).
GhanaJune 1957Both 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.
Guinea6 March 1959Both 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.
Kenya21 May 1964Both 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.
Libya1 April 1974See 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.
Mali14 October 1960Both 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
Mauritania13 March 1967Both 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.
Mozambique17 December 2008Both countries established diplomatic relations on 17 December 2008 when has been accredited Ambassador of Liberia to Mozambique.
Namibia28 April 1990Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1990In 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.
Nigeria1 October 1960Both 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 RepublicLiberia 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.
Senegal1962Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962 when has been accredited Ambassador of Senegal to Liberia M. Amadou Lamine Sall.
Sierra Leone8 June 1962See Liberia-Sierra Leone relationsBoth 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.
Somalia1980Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited Ambassador of Somalia to Liberia, residing in Dakar, M. Jaallee-Abdinur Yusuf Mohamed.
South Africa10 January 1997Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1997 Liberia has an embassy in Pretoria. South Africa has an embassy in Monrovia.
Tanzania27 May 1966Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 May 1966 when first Ambassador of Liberia to Tanzania Henry Bima Fahnbulleh presented his credentials to President Nyerere
Togo29 July 1960Both countries established diplomatic relations on 29 July 1960 when accredited first Ambassador of Liberia to Togo Mr. John Cox.
Zambia3 April 1972Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1972 when first Zambian Ambassador to Liberia Mr. Siteke G. Mwale presented his credentials

Americas

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Haiti29 June 1952Both 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.
Mexico22 June 1976Both 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 Tobago6 December 1965Both 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 States23 February 1864Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 February 1864 See Liberia–United States relationsU.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.
Venezuela16 March 1965Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 March 1965

Asia

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
China17 February 1977See 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.
India7 July 1960See India–Liberia relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 July 1960Indian-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.
Iran2 June 1975Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 June 1975 In 2023, an Iranian drone struck the Liberian flagged chemical tanker Chem Pluto.
Iraq1980Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1980 when has been accredited Ambassador of Iraq to Liberia, residing in Lagos M. Saffa Mohammed Ali.
Israel22 August 1957See 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.
JapanSeptember 1961Both countries established diplomatic relations in September 1961 Liberia is accredited to New Zealand from its embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
Laos12 August 2016Both 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.
Lebanon1 January 1951Both 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
Pakistan1969Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1969 when has been accredited Pakistan's first Ambassador to Liberia M. Ali Arshad.
South Korea18 March 1964Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 March 1964In 2001 Bilateral Trade were Exports $7,350,000,000 (Ships, Automobile) Imports $1,270,000 (Used Ships, Mineral Fuel).
Turkey1 August 1958See 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.
Vietnam28 June 2016Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 June 2016 During the Cold War, Liberia maintained diplomatic relations with South Vietnam only.[citation needed] Vietnam is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Liberia is accredited to Vietnam through its embassy in Beijing, China.

Europe

CountryFormal Relations BeganNotes
Belgium5 June 1867Both 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.
Denmark31 December 1861 25 July 1963Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 July 1963 when was accredited first Ambassador of Denmark to Liberia (resident in Accra) Mr. Hans Adolf Biering
FinlandFinland is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Liberia is accredited to Finland through its embassy in Berlin, Germany.
France20 April 1852See 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.
Germany23 July 1953Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 July 1953 See Germany–Liberia relations Liberia has an embassy in Berlin. Germany has an embassy in Monrovia.
Italy5 October 1951Both 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.
Netherlands3 May 1949Both 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.
NorwayLiberia is accredited to Norway through its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Norway is accredited to Liberia through its embassy in Accra, Ghana.
Russia7 June 1972Both 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.
Spain15 May 1950See 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.
SwedenLiberia is accredited to Sweden through its embassy in Berlin, Germany. Sweden has an embassy in Monrovia.
United Kingdom1 August 1849See Liberia–United Kingdom relations 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.[failed verification] 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