Ghana, Russia signs visa waiver agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

Ghana and Russia have signed Visa waiver agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, marking a step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by the minister for foreign affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa signed the agreement in Moscow on behalf of the Government of Ghana at the start of his three-day official visit to Russia at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, H.E. Sergey Lavrov.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister said the agreement opened a new chapter in Ghana Russia relations and could pave the way for broader arrangements to facilitate travel, trade and people to people exchanges between the two countries.

“This agreement is an important first step towards deepening our engagement with Russia and creating greater opportunities for exchanges between our two countries” he said.

The minister noted that the agreement is the first visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and Russia since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations on January 14, 1958.

He expressed Ghana’s interest in building on the agreement to open discussions on enhanced travel privileges for other categories of travelers as bilateral relations expand.

He said easier movement between the two countries would support Ghana’s efforts to attract investment, expand trade and strengthen exchanges in education and other sectors.

The discussions between the two Foreign Ministers also covered areas of cooperation that Ghana considers important to its industrialisation and job creation agenda.

The two sides discussed educational exchanges, energy, agriculture, security and Defence, minerals exploration and other areas of mutual interest.

Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana valued Russia’s continued cooperation and support as the government pursued industrialisation and expanded opportunities for young people.

“We appreciate Russia’s cooperation and support for Ghana’s industrialisation and job creation efforts. We are interested in practical partnerships that can deliver opportunities for our people and strengthen economic cooperation”, he said.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD