Ghana and the Kyrgyz Republic have taken steps to strengthen their bilateral relations through the inaugural session of the Ghana-Kyrgyzstan Political Consultations held in Accra. The two countries reviewed their existing relations, exchanged views on regional and international developments, and identified new areas of cooperation. This development marks a significant step in their relations, which were established in 1992 but had remained relatively limited over the years.
The consultations resulted in agreements to deepen cooperation in healthcare and education, including the provision of scholarships for students from both countries. They also agreed to explore agricultural cooperation, particularly in animal husbandry and livestock, an area where Kyrgyzstan has considerable experience. Additionally, the two countries will support the Government’s Feed Ghana initiative through agricultural mechanisation.
Climate change was a prominent topic in the discussions, with both countries agreeing to cooperate in advancing the interests of developing countries in global climate negotiations. Ghana, which is preparing to lead the African group into COP31 in Türkiye, will work with Kyrgyzstan towards a common framework on climate mitigation and support for vulnerable countries.
The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in sports disciplines that have received limited attention in Ghana but have significant international participation. Furthermore, they identified cooperation in digital technology and artificial intelligence as an emerging area of partnership. Within the multilateral system, they agreed to promote appropriate regulation and ethical standards for AI.
The consultations culminated in the signing of three agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, including Foreign Service, Works and Housing, and Agriculture. These agreements are expected to support the Feed Ghana initiative. Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Mr. Zheenbek Kulubaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, on his historic first visit to Ghana.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the growing interaction between Ghana and Kyrgyzstan, including high-level visits and cooperation at the United Nations, had created fresh momentum for a stronger partnership. He expressed optimism that Ghana would become Kyrgyzstan’s next diplomatic mission location on the continent. Mr. Ablakwa also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Mr. Kulubaev stated that Kyrgyzstan regarded Ghana as an important partner and expressed the country’s desire to establish Ghana as a gateway to West Africa as it expanded its engagement with Africa. He pledged his country’s support for Ghana’s efforts to strengthen Africa’s role in the international system and shared Ghana’s position on reform of the UN Security Council.
Key points
- The two countries have identified key areas for cooperation, including agriculture, education, healthcare, mining, digital technology, sports, and climate change.
- The consultations resulted in the signing of three agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
- Ghana and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to promote appropriate regulation and ethical standards for AI within the multilateral system.
