Foreign Minister calls for enhanced Ghana-Ethiopia relations

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called for enhanced bilateral relations between Ghana and Ethiopia.

She acknowledged the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between the two countries, which led to the formation of the predecessor of the African Union (AU), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

“The success story of AU/OAU is a clear manifestation of what excellent bilateral relations can result in at the multilateral level,” she said.

Ms Botchwey further recognised the relentless and strong support the Ethiopian government gave Ghana in the successful bid for the hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and emphasised the need for the two countries to take advantage of the AfCFTA to boost trade between them.

She therefore underscored the need for both countries to conclude and sign the proposed Agreement for Joint Declaration of Strategic Partnership between the two countries “since it offers the framework required to increase cooperation between Ghana and Ethiopia.”

Ms Botchwey made the call when the Ambassador-designate for Ethiopia to Ghana, Hadera Abera Admassu, presented his Open Letters to her at the Ministry in Accra.

Appreciation

Ms Botchwey extended Ghana’s appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its cooperation and support for the sod-cutting ceremony of Ghana’s Chancery building in Addis Ababa during the African Union (AU) Summit in February 2020.

She further commended Ethiopia for its determined fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s exemplary role in the distribution of COVID-19 materials across African countries and the evacuation home of Ghanaian nationals by Ethiopian Airlines.

Additionally, the Foreign Minister commended the immediate past Ethiopian Ambassador, Regessa Kefale Ere, for the exemplary work done during his tenure in deepening the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Ethiopia.

“I hope that you will continue to strengthen the existing ties between the two countries,” she said.

Having congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment, Ms Botchwey stated that his extensive professional experience offers an opportunity for Ghana and Ethiopia to cooperate in the field of intelligence gathering and sharing as well as in the training of intelligence officials to help combat terrorism and related security threats.

She assured the Ambassador of Ghana’s determination to continue to work with Ethiopia within the framework of AU, UN and other International Organisations to which both countries belong.