Ghana, Suriname sign four MoUs

Ghana has signed four memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with the government of Suriname for the establishment of partnerships amongst the two countries.

Both parties among other things agreed to the establishment of a Ghana-Suriname Permanent Joint Commission for the cooperation.

The signing was conducted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Tuesday, 23rd April 2019, to demonstrate the desire of the two countries to translate their relationship into concrete projects.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey signed on behalf of Ghana while H.E Yidiz Pollack-Beighle, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Suriname signed on behalf of the Surinamese government.

The agreements between the governments of Ghana and Suriname are; Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a political consultation mechanism, visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports, roadmap on the programme for the cooperation for the period 2019-2023, letter of intent for the cooperation and collaboration in the field of diplomacy and international relations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Shirley Ayorkor Bochwey urged the two countries “to go beyond the agreements signed to initiate trade-related instruments such as an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and bilateral investment treaty to guarantee investments for our economies.’’

She indicated that Ghana’s educational sector has great potential for cooperation, especially in the field of technical education and culture, as this serves as a way of promoting people to people contacts and tourism.

The minister however, congratulated the Pollack-Beighle for the yet to be opened Suriname Embassy in Ghana and expressed Ghana’s desire to also establish a diplomatic representation in Paramaribo to help strengthen bilateral ties and promote issues of mutual interest.

The Vice President of the Republic of Suriname, H.E Michael A.S. Adhin and his delegation arrived in Ghana to celebrate Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, 20th anniversary of his enstoolment on the Golden Stool as the 16th Asantehene in Kumasi.