President Mahama met with Malian President Goita to enhance bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Mali. They discussed trade relations, economic collaboration, and defense against terrorism in light of recent regional developments. Mahama emphasized historical ties and the need for mutual respect to strengthen cooperation despite differing political alignments with the AES.
On Saturday, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana engaged in bilateral discussions with his Malian counterpart, President General Assimi Goita, in Bamako. This visit is part of President Mahama’s ongoing efforts to reinforce Ghana’s good neighborliness policy with neighboring countries. The two leaders addressed issues regarding bilateral cooperation in trade, economic relations, and defense, particularly in combating terrorism.
Following their meeting, President Mahama emphasized the historical ties between Ghana and Mali, tracing back to the first Presidents, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Modibo Keita of Mali. He acknowledged President Goita’s kind gesture of sending Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga to attend his inauguration, which he noted was well received by the Ghanaian people.
During their discussions, the leaders recognized the importance of their nations’ trade relations and the free movement of people. President Mahama highlighted the significant Malian community residing in Ghana, actively contributing to the economy. He stressed the necessity of strengthening economic ties and improving transit corridors to facilitate the transport of goods between the two nations.
The topic of defense cooperation arose, especially concerning the collective fight against terrorism in the Sahel region. President Mahama reiterated that terrorism in one country poses a threat to the entire sub-region, and Ghana aims to support collaboration with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to strengthen defense measures.
Regarding the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to form the AES, President Mahama recognized existing trust issues between the groups. He advocated for mutual respect and communication to foster cooperation despite differing political alignments, reinforcing the notion that regional unity is essential for stability.
Concluding, President Mahama stated the significance of building mutual trust and respect between the AES and ECOWAS, emphasizing their interconnectedness. His delegation for this visit included key officials from his government, showcasing the commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Mali.
In summary, President Mahama’s visit to Mali underscores the strong historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Mali, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, economic relations, and defense against terrorism. The discussions highlight the importance of mutual respect in fostering continued collaboration despite political divergences between regional blocs. Both leaders view their relationship as essential for ensuring stability and security in the Sahel region.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
