Ghana has established diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia and signed a bilateral investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago during the UN General Assembly. These agreements are aimed at enhancing trade and collaboration between the countries involved.
Ghana has officially established diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia by signing two separate communiques. Additionally, the nation has reached a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago. The signing of these agreements took place during the UN General Assembly on a Tuesday, where Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Botchwey, represented Ghana and was joined by her counterparts from Madagascar and St. Lucia, Ms. Rasata Rafaravavitafika and Mr. Alva Baptiste, respectively. During their discussions, Ms. Rafaravavitafika highlighted Madagascar’s commitment to signing the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact in the coming month, underscoring the advantages of intra-Africa trade. Ghana was one of the early signatories to this significant trade agreement and is honored to host the AfCFTA secretariat in its capital city, Accra. Furthermore, the agreement between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, signed between Ms. Botchwey and Dr. Amery Browne, foreign minister of Trinidad and Tobago, aims to enhance bilateral trade through mutual economic cooperation, safeguard investors’ rights, and prevent any unlawful appropriation of investments. Although the current level of trade between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago is modest, the Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has established a growing presence in Ghana. The ministers also addressed the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to occur in four weeks in Samoa. Notably, Ms. Botchwey is emerging as a leading candidate to succeed Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Prior to these engagements, Ms. Botchwey conducted bilateral discussions with Lord Collins, the British Under-Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as well as with Mr. Joseph Andall, the foreign minister of Grenada.
The article reports on recent diplomatic advancements made by Ghana, particularly during the UN General Assembly. Diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia signify Ghana’s commitment to fostering international partnerships, while the agreement with Trinidad and Tobago marks an important step toward enhancing economic cooperation. The context of these agreements relates to Ghana’s active role in regional trade through the AfCFTA, which aims to promote intra-African trade and economic integration. Additionally, the article touches on Ghana’s potential leadership in the Commonwealth, led by Foreign Minister Shirley Botchwey, as she vies for the Secretary-General position.
In summary, Ghana’s establishment of diplomatic relations with Madagascar and St. Lucia, alongside the signing of the investment protection agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, reflects the nation’s strategic interest in strengthening international ties and enhancing trade opportunities. These developments are pivotal for advancing economic cooperation and securing Ghana’s position on the global stage, particularly within regional frameworks like the AfCFTA.
Original Source: www.peacefmonline.com
