Accra/Moscow, Ghana and Russia have signed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement covering holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports, marking a significant development in bilateral relations between the two countries.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made the announcement following his arrival in Russia for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.
According to Ablakwa, the agreement represents the first Visa Waiver Agreement between Ghana and Russia since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1958.
The agreement is expected to facilitate official travel between the two countries and deepen diplomatic engagement. Negotiations are also expected to continue on extending enhanced visa privileges to other categories of travellers.
Ablakwa said Ghana intends to use the visit to strengthen cooperation with Russia in areas including trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
During bilateral discussions with Russian officials, the Ghanaian Foreign Minister also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Russia for supporting and voting in favour of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel slavery the gravest crime against humanity.
The Minister described Russia’s support as significant to Ghana’s efforts to advance international recognition of the historical and enduring consequences of the transatlantic slave trade.
The three-day official visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana and Russia to explore broader areas of strategic cooperation and strengthen relations between the two nations.
Ablakwa said Ghana remains committed to expanding the relationship with Russia in ways that promote economic cooperation, diplomatic engagement and stronger ties between their peoples.
Mantse Ayitey Report
Source: Statement published by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Facebook.
