News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko: Belarus, Ghana open up new chapter in bilateral cooperation

MINSK, 8 June (BelTA) - Belarus and Ghana are opening up a new chapter in cooperation, now in a bilateral format, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told journalists following the talks with President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana at the Palace of Independence in Minsk on 8 June, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian leader described the talks held with John Dramani Mahama as productive and noted that the current visit is the first highest-level meeting in the 34-year history of Belarus-Ghana relations, which marked their anniversary on 5 June. Aleksandr Lukashenko also thanked his counterpart for his sincere and constructive approach.

“We are opening a new chapter in our cooperation, now in a bilateral format. The talks confirmed that we have a solid foundation for future progress in the trade and economic area, in strengthening food security, and in such humanitarian areas as education and healthcare,” the head of state said.

The presidents of Belarus and Ghana are determined to dynamically develop cooperation across all these areas, placing the economy at the forefront. During the talks, the parties discussed the mutual opening of embassies in Ghana and Belarus. “The president [of Ghana] raised the issue of opening embassies in both countries during our talks. We support such an initiative, but we would very much like our joint intergovernmental committee [on trade and economic cooperation] to begin its work. And for the embassies to carry out corresponding work in furtherance of that effort,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian head of state described the comprehensive mechanization of agriculture and the opening of a multibrand center for Belarusian products in Ghana as flagship projects.

“We need to quickly create a plan for our cooperation: a kind of roadmap, similar to those we have with other African countries, which would allow us to move forward efficiently. I emphasize: our major interest lies in creating, as the president of Ghana said, an appropriate hub for Belarusian products in West Africa,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The Belarusian leader also assured that Minsk is ready to contribute to strengthening Ghana’s food security: “We already have such experience, and it shows that these projects will objectively lead to an expansion of partnership in many areas,” he said.

The president expressed confidence that, following the visit and the introduction to Belarus’ capabilities in machinery and food production, the guests from Ghana would clearly see the seriousness of Belarus’ intentions and proposals.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the talks also touched upon the topic of agricultural processing. The head of state emphasized that this makes great sense when production facilities for the relevant goods, that is, raw materials for processing, are already in place.

The president paid special attention to the creation of joint ventures both in Belarus and in Ghana. “I am counting very much on fruitful cooperation. Once again, I emphasize: we are ready not only to supply, build, and manufacture machinery, but also to train your people in the technologies that Ghana needs today. No topics are off limits, and this concerns not only agriculture and industrial supplies, but also the defense industry, which the president of Ghana raised during our talks,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

The Belarusian leader pointed out that a number of agreements were signed following the highest-level negotiations, significantly strengthening the legal framework for interstate cooperation between Belarus and Ghana. “They are intended to intensify trade and economic cooperation, interaction between the ministries of agriculture, chambers of commerce and industry, and other ministries. Travel will become easier, especially for holders of diplomatic and service passports, so that cooperation issues can be resolved as quickly as possible and to mutual benefit,” he said.

“We have reached agreements that will soon be implemented in concrete joint projects across various areas. I have no doubt that the effect will be significant and certainly mutually beneficial,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.

The head of state expressed confidence that the Ghana president’s visit to Belarus would mark the beginning of a strong friendship and fruitful economic cooperation between the two countries. Aleksandr Lukashenko also thanked John Dramani Mahama for inviting him to visit his farm. He noted that by that time Belarusian specialists and ministry officials would visit Ghana to present concrete proposals not only for signing memoranda but also for concluding cooperation contracts between enterprises of the two countries.

The president wished success to the specialists of Belarus and Ghana: “Once again, I emphasize that everything will depend on your desire and determination to build cooperation with our country. We will do our part quickly and efficiently, because we are people who keep our word.”