The United States is seeking a larger role in Liberia’s critical minerals industry, following high-level discussions in Washington this week, Reuters reported.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti on Thursday to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations and expand economic engagement between the two nations, the U.S. State Department said.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the talks focused on creating jobs and fostering economic growth in both countries through expanded U.S. participation in Liberia’s mineral sector.

The meeting is part of a broader push by Liberia to attract foreign investment in its mineral wealth. In recent months, the Liberian government has engaged U.S. stakeholders to highlight opportunities in refining, processing, and broader energy projects, while promoting a favorable investment climate, Reuters reported.

“The meeting explored avenues for expanding U.S. participation in Liberia’s critical minerals sector with the aim of creating jobs and economic growth in both the United States and Liberia,” Pigott added.