President Mahama Engages in Bilateral Talks with Malian Leader

Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama visited Mali’s President General Assimi Goita to reinforce bilateral relations. They discussed cooperation in trade, economic strategies, and defense against terrorism, particularly in light of Mali’s recent departure from ECOWAS. Mahama emphasized the historical ties and the necessity for mutual respect to enhance collaboration between the two nations.

On Saturday, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana met with President General Assimi Goita of Mali in Bamako. This meeting is part of Mahama’s initiative to strengthen Ghana’s good neighborliness policy, emphasizing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The discussions encompassed trade, economic partnerships, and defense cooperation in the context of a shared commitment to combat terrorism, particularly following the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Following their meeting, President Mahama characterized his visit to Mali as a friendly gesture, recalling the historical ties between Ghana and Mali established by their inaugural leaders, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Modibo Keita. Mahama acknowledged Mali’s efforts by expressing gratitude to President Goita for sending Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga to his inauguration ceremony in early January, a gesture that underscored the mutual appreciation between the two nations.

The leaders addressed the significant trade relations between their countries, highlighting the ease of travel for their citizens. President Mahama pointed out the established transit corridors facilitating the movement of goods and drivers between Ghanaian ports and Mali. They also discussed strategies to alleviate challenges affecting transportation and logistics.

Moreover, the two leaders exchanged views on enhancing defense cooperation in their collective fight against terrorism, recognizing the interconnected threats within the sub-region. Mahama emphasized the need for solidarity as terrorism poses challenges that no single country can tackle in isolation.

Regarding the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, President Mahama acknowledged existing trust issues between ECOWAS and AES. However, he advocated for mutual respect and the importance of maintaining bilateral relations regardless of these political developments, underscoring the fraternity shared among nations in the sub-region. He stressed the necessity of building trust between ECOWAS and AES to foster effective collaboration.

President Mahama’s delegation included several notable officials such as Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mr. Stan Dogbe, and Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey, which underscores the importance of this visit in strengthening Ghana-Malian diplomatic ties.

In conclusion, President Mahama’s visit to Mali aims to reinforce the historical ties and collaborative efforts between Ghana and Mali. The discussions focused on enhancing trade, economic relations, and defense against terrorism, highlighting the shared challenges faced by the sub-region. Despite political shifts with the formation of the AES, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintain strong bilateral relations and advocate for mutual respect and improved cooperation among neighboring countries.

Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com