Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., met with the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Yin Chengwu, in a strategic diplomatic engagement held Friday, May 9, 2025, at the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia.
The high-level meeting comes ahead of Commissioner Lighe’s planned visit to Beijing on May 26. There, he is expected to participate in follow-up discussions on Port State Control, a key area of international maritime oversight. The talks aim to advance bilateral efforts to enhance maritime safety, compliance, and operational efficiency in line with Liberia’s shipping priorities.
During the meeting, Commissioner Lighe expressed appreciation for China’s ongoing support and reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the Liberia-China Maritime Transport Agreement, which was signed in September 2024 during the FOCAC summit in Beijing. The agreement underscores mutual collaboration in maritime and port development, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and shared benefits.
Ambassador Yin welcomed Liberia’s engagement, highlighting the growing potential for cooperation beyond maritime affairs. He pointed to aviation and energy as key sectors where China is eager to expand its partnership with Liberia.
The forthcoming Port State Control discussions in Beijing are expected to focus on implementing key aspects of the transport agreement, bolstering oversight mechanisms, and reinforcing Liberia’s role as a leading maritime nation through its ship registry.
