Accra, March 17, – Ghana and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation following an official visit by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to the Central Asian nation.
The visit marked the first time a foreign minister from an African country was formally hosted by Kyrgyzstan, signalling a new chapter in bilateral engagement.
During meetings in Bishkek with President Sadyr Japarov and Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev, discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, mining, and diplomatic relations.
Describing the visit as historic, Mr Ablakwa said:
“We made history today as Ghana became the first African country whose foreign minister has been hosted on an official visit in Kyrgyzstan.”
A major outcome of the engagement was the signing of two bilateral agreements to institutionalise cooperation:
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Visa waivers for diplomatic and service passport holders from both countries, with plans to extend the arrangement to ordinary passport holders in the future.
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The establishment of a mechanism for regular political consultations between the foreign ministries to facilitate dialogue on mutual interests.
Economic collaboration, especially in the gold mining sector, featured prominently in discussions. Ghana is Africa’s leading gold producer, while Kyrgyzstan is home to the Kumtor Gold Mine, one of Central Asia’s largest mining operations. Mr Ablakwa noted that the two countries’ shared expertise in gold mining presents opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.
He added that the visit reflects Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify trade relations and engage emerging markets. Kyrgyzstan’s recent economic growth and its strategic position in Central Asia make it an important partner for Ghana’s expanding economy.
The officials also announced plans for follow-up engagements, including trade missions, mining cooperation initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges aimed at turning the new agreements into tangible economic outcomes.
The visit was hailed as a significant step in South-South cooperation, strengthening ties between Africa and Central Asia.
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