The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Paris, led by H.E. Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the French Republic, today held a high-level bilateral meeting with the Office Anti-Stupéfiants (OFAST), France’s specialized anti-narcotics agency under the National Directorate of the Judicial Police (DNPJ), to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
The Liberian delegation comprised H.E. Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Deputy Chief of Mission Emmanuel Saye Larmeh, and Minister-Counselor for Press and Public Affairs Senve Darlington Tehmeh. The delegation was received by Mr. Dimitri Zoulas, Chief of OFAST, and Madam Perrine Boudin, Director of International Cooperation at OFAST.
During the meeting, OFAST officials provided a comprehensive overview of the agency’s mandate, organizational structure, and France’s integrated, intelligence-led strategy for combating narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime. Discussions focused on expanding institutional cooperation through intelligence and information sharing, technical assistance, capacity building, operational collaboration, and the exchange of best practices.
In his remarks, Ambassador Yorlay reaffirmed Liberia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening international partnerships aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by illicit drug trafficking and organized criminal networks. He emphasized that enhanced cooperation among law enforcement institutions is essential to promoting national, regional, and international peace and security.
As part of the discussions, Ambassador Yorlay proposed the negotiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal framework for cooperation between the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and OFAST. The proposal was warmly welcomed by the French delegation. The proposed agreement is expected to provide a structured mechanism for cooperation in capacity building, intelligence and information sharing, technical assistance, institutional collaboration, and other mutually beneficial initiatives designed to combat transnational organized crime.
The meeting further proposed that, through the Embassy of Liberia in Paris, a high-level Liberian delegation comprising representatives of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Liberia National Police (LNP), and the Ministry of Justice undertake a working visit to France to advance negotiations on and conclude the proposed Memorandum of Understanding and identify priority areas for practical cooperation.
Both parties also agreed in principle that, following the anticipated signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Paris later this year, a reciprocal high-level meeting would be convened in Liberia to formally launch the partnership, adopt an implementation roadmap, and further strengthen collaboration between the respective institutions.
Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Liberia and the French Republic date back to 1852, when France formally recognized Liberia’s independence, becoming the second major world power to do so. For more than 170 years, the two countries have enjoyed cordial and mutually beneficial relations founded on friendship, mutual respect, and shared values.
This longstanding relationship provides a solid foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation into new strategic areas, including law enforcement, counter-narcotics operations, the fight against transnational organized crime, institutional capacity building, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing. The discussions with OFAST therefore represent an important milestone in broadening the Liberia–France partnership and advancing a shared commitment to regional and international security.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening their longstanding bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in law enforcement and security. Both sides expressed confidence that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding, together with the planned reciprocal high-level engagements in Paris and Monrovia, will usher in a new chapter of collaboration in combating illicit drug trafficking and transnational organized crime while further reinforcing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
