President John Dramani Mahama has begun a four-day state visit to Belarus aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, education and trade.
The visit, which commenced on Friday, June 5, follows an invitation from Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is expected to result in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements between the two countries.
In a statement issued by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government said the visit seeks to deepen existing ties between Ghana and Belarus while exploring new opportunities for economic, agricultural and technical collaboration.
“The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and Belarus. It will also explore new frontiers in economic, agricultural, and technical cooperation,” the statement said.
A major highlight of the visit will be bilateral talks between President Mahama and President Lukashenko in the Belarusian capital, Minsk.
The two leaders are expected to hold private discussions before leading an expanded meeting involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries.
According to the statement, the discussions will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships in agriculture, education and commerce.
As part of efforts to advance Ghana’s industrialisation and food security agenda, President Mahama will also travel to the city of Brest, where he is scheduled to tour one of the region’s largest dairy processing facilities.
The visit is expected to provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential cooperation in agro-processing and agricultural development.
While in Brest, the President will pay his respects at the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, a historic site commemorating the defence of the Soviet Union against Nazi forces during World War II.
His itinerary also includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, one of Europe’s oldest remaining primeval forests, reflecting the shared interest of both countries in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
President Mahama is expected to return to Ghana on Tuesday, June 9.
“The State Visit will include the signing of at least four landmark bilateral agreements designed to foster mutual growth and institutional collaboration between Ghana and Belarus,” the statement added.
The visit is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries while opening new avenues for cooperation in areas considered critical to Ghana’s development agenda.
