Sachin Malik Accra: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is on an official visit to Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Ethiopia from October 6 to 10. As the first leg of his African tour, the External Affairs Minister arrived in Ghana capital, Accra, Where he was warmly Welcomed by his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. During a high-level meeting between the two leaders, Extensive discussions were held on Giving a new direction to the historic relations between India and Ghana and further Strengthening their Strategic Partnership.
Several important Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) were also signed between the two sides. These agreements will Provide a legal and institutional framework for future cooperation between the two Countries, making Exchanges in trade and technology easier and more Effective.
Dr. Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’ that he had extensive discussions with Ghana Foreign Minister. He said that as Partners in the ‘Global South’, India and Ghana Share Similar development aspirations and a history of Solidarity. Discussions focused on taking forward the wide-ranging Partnership between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, development, Pharmaceuticals, capacity building, defence, technology and People-to-People ties. The two sides also discussed enhancing multilateral cooperation and further Strengthening India engagement with the African Union and ECOWAS.
In another Post, the Indian External Affairs Minister said, “Advancing our ‘South-South cooperation’, MOU were Exchanged. MOU were Signed between the Zoological Survey of India and the University of Ghana for cooperation in academics, Scientific research and capacity building. In addition, an MOU was Signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi and the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, for cooperation in agricultural research and Education.”
Dr. Jaishankar also interacted with former Participants of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme in Ghana. During the interaction, he Said that capacity development and improving Skills are an important Part of India-Ghana relations and South-South Cooperation. The External Affairs Minister also met members of the Indian community in Accra.
Jaishankar also addressed a special Gathering on India, Africa and the Global South at the Foreign Service Institute in Accra. Referring to the current Global situation, he said that in today turbulent times, the biggest Challenge before diplomacy is to manage Growing competition among countries without allowing it to turn into confrontation. He also Stressed the need to Promote cooperation despite differences in Interests.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and discussed the rapid momentum in the India-Ghana Partnership following Prime Minister Narendra Modi historic visit last Year. He also emphasized the need to further deepen the “Comprehensive Partnership” between the two countries across various Sectors.
