The Ministry of National Defense described the signing of the Maritime ShipRider Agreement between Liberia and the United States as an important step toward improving the operational capacity of the Liberian Coast Guard and strengthening the country’s maritime security system.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Bushrod Island Coast Guard Base, Acting Commander of the Liberian Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Georgian Kansuah, said the agreement reflects the long-standing cooperation between Liberia and the United States in tackling maritime security challenges.
He said the Ministry of National Defense remains focused on protecting Liberia’s territorial waters from illegal fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, and human smuggling, which continue to affect national security and the economy.
Lieutenant Commander Kansuah explained that the agreement will support intelligence sharing, coordinated maritime operations, and joint law enforcement efforts to keep Liberia’s waters safe for trade and other legal activities. He added that the signing also shows the Ministry’s efforts to improve the Liberian Coast Guard and strengthen national defense through international cooperation.
Representing the United States Government, Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny praised the progress and professionalism of the Liberian Coast Guard under the Ministry of National Defense. He said the ShipRider program has helped countries address cross-border maritime crimes and improve maritime governance.
Under the agreement, Liberian and U.S. authorities will carry out joint maritime enforcement operations against illegal fishing and illicit trafficking in Liberia’s territorial waters and across the Gulf of Guinea. Zadrozny also said the partnership will create more training opportunities and operational support for members of the Armed Forces of Liberia, especially the Coast Guard.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Her Excellency Sara Besolow Nyanti, said the agreement holds wider national importance and noted that discussions for the deal began in 2024. She explained that the agreement will help protect Liberia’s marine resources from illegal foreign activities while supporting local fishing communities, creating jobs, and expanding economic opportunities.
Minister Nyanti also said the agreement strengthens Liberia’s international role and shows the country’s active participation in global maritime governance.
She noted that Liberia, which manages the world’s largest ship registry, has a responsibility to support safety, stability, and the rule of law at sea. According to her, the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to those goals.
The ceremony ended with a tour of the Liberian Coast Guard facilities, highlighting the Ministry of National Defense’s ongoing efforts to improve maritime infrastructure, operational capacity, and international defense cooperation.
source:maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council