Solomon Islands and Ghana establish diplomatic relations, opening new opportunities for cooperation in trade, agriculture and more.
Solomon Islands and the Republic of Ghana have formally established diplomatic relations.
This followed the signing of a Joint Communiqué by the respective Foreign Ministers on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Solomon Islands Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Rick Houenipwela and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa signed the communiqué, marking a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
Minister Ablakwa said Ghana was pleased to formalise relations and looked forward to identifying areas where the two countries could work together.
He highlighted opportunities for cooperation in economic development, democratic institutions and local government, highlighting Ghana’s current economic recovery could provide areas for shared experience and learning.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister also pointed to the common historical experiences of the two countries and proposed greater people-to-people links, including mobility and exchange programmes in health and education.
He extended an invitation to Minister Houenipwela to visit Ghana as part of efforts to strengthen the new relationship.
Minister Houenipwela described the signing as a historic occasion.
He said the two countries could draw on their shared experiences while exploring practical areas of cooperation.
“ We welcome the opportunity to learn from Ghana, particularly its experience in cocoa production and agriculture as Solomon Islands looks to broaden economic opportunities and strengthen productive sectors,” the Foreign Minister said.
Minister Houenipwela also acknowledged Ghana’s contribution to international affairs, including through the leadership of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who served as the United Nations’ seventh Secretary-General.
The establishment of diplomatic relations expands Solomon Islands’ diplomatic engagement with Africa and creates a new platform for cooperation between the Pacific and West Africa.
SOURCE// OPMC PRESS RELEASE
