ALGIERS – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, affirmed on Wednesday, that relations between Algeria and his country “are today excellent,” emphasizing the commitment of both countries to strengthen them.
In a statement following the audience granted to him by the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored that “the two countries have committed to strengthening their bilateral relations.”
Ablakwa revealed that the audience addressed the importance “of establishing an Algerian-Ghanaian cooperation in defense, due to terrorist threats and violent extremism that compromise the stability of the Sahel region.”
He underscored having discussed with the President of the Republic “terrorists who control vast territories in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger,” emphasizing that “the Ghanaian president, John Mahama, is currently conducting mediation efforts” in this regard.
“We believe that bringing viewpoints closer and negotiations are the best way to move ahead, rather than violence and war,” he affirmed, adding that “it is preferable to favor a diplomatic solution to the crisis in the Sahel region.”
“We received strong support from the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who affirmed being ready to support President Mahama’s initiative,” he said.
In this respect, Okudzeto Ablakwa mentioned that he conveyed to the Algerian President “the greetings of his brother, the President of Ghana,” noting that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune entrusted him with delivering an invitation to his Ghanaian counterpart to visit Algeria before the end of the year.
The minister described his discussions with the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, as “fruitful,” particularly following the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders, in addition to a second agreement that will be signed later for ordinary passport holders, in order to “intensify commercial exchanges between citizens.”
