EAM Jaishankar holds talks in Ghana to deepen bilateral ties

October 7, New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is in Ghana for the first leg of his three-African nation tour, interacted with members of Indian community and friends of India in Accra. He spoke about how India is seen as a friend and a reliable & effective partner in Ghana. He appreciated the contributions of the community in deepening India's special bonds with a valued partner.

Speaking at an event at the Foreign Service Institute of Ghana on India, Africa and the Global South, External Affairs Minister stressed that in today’s turbulent times, the challenge before diplomacy is to manage competition without allowing it to become confrontation, and to promote cooperation even when interests diverge.

Dr. S. Jaishankar and his Ghanaian counterpart Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa discussed ways to deepen India-Ghana ties, including trade, investment, development, pharmaceuticals, capacity building, defence, technology and people-to-people links. The talks also covered multilateral cooperation and India’s deeper engagement with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

During the visit, the two sides exchanged two Memorandums of Understanding in the presence of the ministers. One was between the Zoological Survey of India and the University of Ghana for cooperation in academics, scientific research and capacity building. The other was between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, and the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, Ghana, for cooperation in agricultural research and education.

EAM Jaishankar also joined his counterpart Ablakwa and Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu in planting a Plumeria sapling as a tribute to ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Ghana’s ‘Tree for Life’ initiative.

Earlier on October 6, Dr. S. Jaishankar met President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They spoke about the strong momentum in India - Ghana partnership following the landmark visit of Prime Minister Modi last year.

From Ghana, EAM Jaishankar will travel to Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia. The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit reflects India's commitment to deepen its partnership with Africa and will further New Delhi's solidarity with the Global South.

(Media courtesy: X/@DrSJaishankar)

Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)