Monrovia, July 8 -- The Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, John Ballout, has pledged to prioritize economic diplomacy to attract investment and partnerships for Liberia's oil and gas sector and other key industries across the region.

By Obediah Johnson

Speaking before the Liberian Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs during his confirmation hearing on Monday, July 7, Ballout outlined a vision anchored in regional cooperation, trade, human capacity development, and cultural diplomacy.

He vowed to actively engage key players in the oil and gas sector - particularly in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, two of Africa's top energy-producing nations - to ensure Liberia benefits more significantly from intra-African economic relations.

Ballout, ...