Ghana, Pakistan to Deepen Diplomatic and Economic Cooperation

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, has stated Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Pakistan to safeguard sovereignty, promote development, and improve the welfare of its citizens.

She said this on Monday during the signing ceremony of two Memoranda of Understanding and the launch of their Bilateral Political Consultations in Accra.

Ambassador Iddrisu stated the agreements and consultations were intended to strengthen cooperation and provide a platform for sustained dialogue between Accra and Islamabad. She noted that the consultations would support closer coordination on foreign policy matters and encourage collaboration across priority sectors.

She highlighted the growing cooperation between Ghana’s Foreign Service Institute and Pakistan’s Foreign Service Academy, describing it as an area with potential for joint training programmes and exchanges.

She expressed anticipation that both institutions would soon agree on a schedule of shared activities for the year and beyond.

She said Ghana viewed the consultations as part of a broader effort to advance “South-South” cooperation and translate long-standing diplomatic ties into practical outcomes.

Ambassador Iddrisu recalled that Ghana and Pakistan have maintained relations since 1958 and said both sides were now focused on ensuring that the relationship delivers measurable benefits.

She added that Ghana seeks to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas to include defence, digital innovation, education, agriculture, environmental issues, public health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges.

According to her, these areas reflect shared priorities shaped by global economic pressures and shifting international dynamics.

Addressing the wider international environment, Ambassador Iddrisu said rising protectionism, strategic rivalry, and disruptions to global supply chains have increased uncertainty for smaller and mid-sized states.

She stressed that collaboration among partners remains essential in addressing shared challenges that no single country can resolve alone.

On his part, the Additional Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, said the visit marked a return to closer cooperation following years of limited interaction caused by internal challenges and global disruptions.

He announced that Pakistan has secured land in Islamabad’s diplomatic enclave and plans to reopen its mission and construct a chancery, underscoring renewed diplomatic presence.

He expressed confidence that the signing of two memoranda of understanding would support deeper cooperation between the two countries.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD