Russia and Ghana to Sign Visa-Free Travel Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia and Ghana are set to sign an agreement allowing visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the agreement on Monday at the opening of talks in Moscow with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, saying it would help expand contacts between government institutions of the two countries.

The visit marks Ablakwa’s first trip to Russia in his capacity as Ghana’s Foreign Minister. Lavrov said the visit would help ensure continuity in Russia-Ghana relations while creating opportunities to expand cooperation in foreign policy, trade, the economy, investment, humanitarian exchanges and education.

Lavrov described Ghana as historically one of Russia’s key partners in West Africa. He also recalled the role of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, in the decolonisation movement, noting the high regard in which his political legacy is held in Russia.

The Russian Foreign Minister also paid tribute to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan of Ghana, who served from 1997 to 2006. Lavrov said Annan maintained a balanced approach to international affairs and consistently advocated the comprehensive application of the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Lavrov also noted that Ghanaian President John Mahama continues to promote an agenda of African unity through the African Union and in international affairs.

According to Lavrov, the talks will cover bilateral relations, trade and economic cooperation, education and humanitarian issues. The two sides are also expected to exchange views on ongoing crises in Africa and efforts by the African Union and the wider international community to address them.

The discussions will additionally cover major international issues in other regions, including developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Latin America and Europe.

Lavrov said the talks would also address the European security environment, referring to continuing statements from some European actors about seeking a “strategic defeat” of Russia.

Russia regards its relationship with Ghana as an important component of its broader diplomatic, economic and humanitarian engagement with West Africa.