Africa-Press – Ghana. The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Mr Roey Gilad, has pledged Israel’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Ghana, especially in the areas of security and defence, following the recent attack by Burkinabe jihadists that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaian traders.
Ambassador Gilad, speaking at the maiden meeting of the Ghana–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association in Parliament House on Thursday, said Israel and Ghana had maintained diplomatic relations since 1957, collaborating in agriculture, economic and trade relations, as well as defence and security.
He recalled that Ghana was the first African country where Israel established an embassy, and stressed that the bilateral relations between the two nations would continue to grow for their mutual benefit.
Touching on the Gaza conflict, Ambassador Gilad stated that Israel had no intention of occupying Gaza but wanted Hamas militants to disarm, emphasizing that Israel’s ultimate objective was to ensure peace, tranquillity and stability in the region.
Mr Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Chairman of the Ghana–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association, said the Association would provide a platform for sharing ideas and deepening cooperation between the two countries.
Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, Vice Chairman of the Association, urged the Government of Ghana to ensure that the sentiments of Ghanaians were reflected in its decisions at international fora, particularly on issues concerning the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
