Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, have held a day’s bilateral meeting at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The bilateral meeting forms part of President Mnangagwa’s three-day state visit to Ghana, which began on April 1.
A 23-point Communique read at the end of the meeting by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said the state visit was aimed at further strengthening the cordial bilateral relations between the two countries.
It laid emphasis on enhancing cooperation in political and diplomatic consultations, energy, tourism, health, trade and investment, diplomatic training, defense, police cooperation, education, media, mining, agriculture, labour, sports and recreation, heritage collaboration, local government, archives and waste management.
He said the two Heads of State and Government noted the need to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries in various sectors towards further strengthening the long-standing relationship.
He noted that in this regard, they emphasised the need to elevate bilateral relations by fostering a more dynamic and mutually beneficial economic partnership, underpinned by enhanced trade, investment and private sector collaboration.
Mr Ablakwa said the two Heads of State and Government further noted with satisfaction the outcomes of the Business Roundtable Forum, which underscored the strong interests of the private sector in both countries to deepen trade and investment linkages and express confidence in the tangible partnerships and initiatives that would emerge therein.
He added that the two Heads of State and Government undertook to ensure the expeditious implementation of the 10 MOUs signed and the finalisation of those that were still outstanding.
He said President Mahama welcomed the offer by Zimbabwe to host the Mid-Year Summit of the African Union for 2027 during Ghana’s chairmanship of the African Union.
He noted that the two Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to maintain close consultation and coordination at regional, continental and multilateral fora in order to advance shared interests and common objectives.
Mr Ablakwa said President Mnangagwa commended Ghana for its leadership in advancing historical justice through the recently adopted United Nations Resolution, the Historic Resolution A-RES-80-250, recognizing the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and the of racial enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the landmark initiative reflected the shared commitment of both countries for the truth, justice and the dignity of African peoples.
He said President Mahama congratulated all the co-sponsors, including Zimbabwe, for the strong support for his initiative.
He said President Mnangagwa further acknowledged and appreciated Ghana’s support for Zimbabwe’s bid for a United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat for the period 2027 to 2028.
He reiterated that President Mnangagwa expressed appreciation for Ghana’s continued commitment in advocating for the unconditional removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe.
Mr Ablakwa said the two Heads of State expressed concern over current global geopolitical developments and rising tensions in various regions.
He said they reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
“In this regard, they called for dialogue, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation to ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of global peace and stability,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa said President Mnangagwa conveyed his sincere appreciation to President Mahama, the Government and the People of Ghana fought the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his accompanying delegation during his memorable visit.
He said President Mnangagwa then extended an invitation to President Mahama, for a reciprocal visit to Zimbabwe.
Mr Ablakwa said at the conclusion of the state visit, the two Heads of State and Governments expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of their engagements and reiterated their determination to further deepen bilateral relations across all sectors.
