Enhancing bilateral cooperation, India and Ghana signed two MoUs

New Delhi, July 19: Enhancing the bilateral cooperation, India and Ghana on Wednesday signed two important MoUs. Notably, the MoUs on Cultural Exchange Programme and on cooperation between Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority were signed.

 

Informing the Nation via twitter, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a tweet said, "Following the meeting between EAM @sushmaswaraj and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana Shirley Botchwey, two MOUs on Cultural Exchange Programme and on cooperation between Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority were signed."

Notably, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey is on 4-day visit to India i.e from 16-19 Jul. On Wednesday, EAM Sushma Swaraj held bilateral talks with Ayorkor Botchwey and then signed the two MoU. The two ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in development cooperation, capacity building, trade and investment and people-to-people relationship.

MEA Spokesperson in a tweet said, “Cementing our connect with Africa! EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Ghana Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey lead the delegation-level talks. Two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in development cooperation, capacity building, trade & investment and people-to-people relationship.”

“Strong bonds of friendship based on common values of democracy, secularism and pluralism! EAM @SushmaSwaraj welcomes the Minister of Foreign Affairs of #Ghana Shirley Botchwey to India,” he added in another tweet.

Later, in the day, Sushma Swaraj hosted a lunch in honour for the visiting Ghanaian Foreign Minister.

BACKGROUND:

India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and close, based on a common history, shared vision and values. Ghana is one of India’s important partners in West Africa. While bilateral trade stands at US$ 3.5 billion, other important aspects of our relations are investments (India is the second largest investor in Ghana), development partnership, defence cooperation, capacity building, cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts. There is a sizeable Indian community in Ghana numbering around 10,000.