The Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Suriname have signed four documents to further deepen the cooperation and relations between the two countries.
The documents are:
- Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of Suriname on Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports.
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultations Mechanism between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and Suriname.
- Roadmap on the Programme for Cooperation for the period 2019-2023 between the Governments of Ghana and Suriname.
- Letter of Intent for Cooperation and Collaboration in the Field of Diplomacy and International Relations.
The above mentioned documents were signed when the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname, Her Excellency Yldiz Pollack-Beighle called on Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey(MP) on Tuesday, 23rd April, 2019 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey welcomed H.E Pollack-Beighle and acknowledged the long-standing relations between the two countries culminating in the establishment of Diplomatic relations in the 1970s. In the ensuing discussion, she stated that Ghana attaches great importance to the relations and would work towards strengthening the relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries. She added that the signing of the four documents was a demonstration of the desire of the two countries to translate their relationship into concrete projects.
Hon. Botchwey emphasized on the need for the establishment of a Ghana- Suriname Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation. She called for both countries to initiate trade-related instruments such as an Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and a Bilateral Investment Treaty to guarantee investments for both economies. She pointed out that in the area of tourism, there is potential for the two countries to exchange ideas and share best practices to enhance job creation for the youth. She also informed H.E Pollack-Beighle about the “Year of Return Ghana 2019” and encouraged Suriname to participate in the activities.
H.E Pollack-Beighle for her part, assured that Suriname was ever ready to exchange ideas and further enhance bilateral relations with Ghana. She stated that both countries have a lot in common and should work to further boost the relations for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries. She also called for the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Ghana and Suriname to enhance commercial air transport between the two countries.