Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described his official trip to Kyrgyzstan as a historic milestone in bilateral relations, marking the first time an African foreign minister has undertaken such a visit to the country.
“Today, we made history as I became the first African Foreign Minister to be hosted on an official visit in Kyrgyzstan,” he said, expressing appreciation to Sadyr Japarov and Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev for their hospitality.
Central to the Ghana Kyrgyzstan partnership is a shared interest in leveraging both countries’ strengths in gold production.
Mr Ablakwa noted that Ghana, Africa’s leading gold producer, and Kyrgyzstan, home to the renowned Kumtor Gold Mine, are committed to forging a mutually beneficial relationship to boost their respective economies.
“Ghana and Kyrgyzstan are both eager to form a strategic and visionary partnership on a number of priority areas.” - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
The collaboration is expected to open up new opportunities for trade and investment, particularly as Ghana seeks to diversify its markets and expand its global economic footprint.
Agreements signal deepening ties
As part of the visit, both countries signed key agreements to formalise their growing relationship.
These include a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, with plans to extend the policy to ordinary passport holders in the future.
A second agreement establishes a framework for formal political consultations, aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
“To demonstrate our resolve and trust as friendly nations, we signed a visa waiver agreement… and a second agreement to establish formal political consultations.” - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Expanding south-south cooperation
Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the partnership reflects a broader push toward enhanced South-South cooperation, with both countries seeking to benefit from shared growth opportunities.
He highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s strong economic performance, noting its impressive GDP growth rates in recent years, as a key factor in Ghana’s interest in the partnership.
The minister also welcomed Kyrgyzstan’s recent observer status at the African Union, describing it as a positive step toward closer collaboration with African nations.
“We are excited about this new south-south cooperation with our friends,” he said, expressing optimism that the partnership will yield long-term benefits for both countries.
READ ALSO: Ghana Gold Board Signs Deal with GGSA for Geological Investigations
