Ghana and Saint Vincent and Grenadines have established a permanent commission for cooperation to enhance economic, political and cultural relations.
At a short ceremony in Accra yesterday the two countries affirmed the establishment of the joint commission which originated from discussions between the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Everard Gonsalves during visits to each other’s country.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) programme, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, stated that the commission would explore opportunities to benefit the citizens of both countries.
She indicated that PJCC would among other things increase the level of cooperation in key areas of the economy including agriculture, aviation, tourism, health and commerce among others.
Ms Botchwey noted that provision and exchange of technical support in the tourism industry would be pivotal in the joint commission agenda as they would also establish a proposed Africa, Brazil, Caribbean and Diaspora (ABCD) Commission to enhance cooperation and free movement of goods and services.
The two countries, she said had a lot to learn from each other and called for enhanced relations for mutual benefit of the countries.
Sir Louis Straker, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of St Vincent and Grenadines, expressed his happiness at the establishment of the joint commission and promised his support for the effective implementation of policies that might arise from the dialogue.
“The conclusions reached in the course of the bilateral engagement will be followed and effectively implemented by both sides to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals 2030,” he said.
Sir Straker underscored the need for their two countries to institute training and exchange programmes in health and scientific research to benefit their respective citizens.
The coordination, he observed, would strengthen the bond between West African countries and the Caribbean to foster growth and development.
He however, commended the country for its peace and hospitality and urged the citizenry to continue promoting peace to accelerate development.
BY JOYCELINE NATALLY CUDJOE
