President Mahama’s visit to Mali involved discussions on trade, economic cooperation, and defense against terrorism, emphasizing historical ties and mutual respect between the nations despite recent political changes in the region.
On Saturday, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana visited President General Assimi Goita of Mali in Bamako. This visit was part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen Ghana’s good neighborliness policy by engaging with neighboring countries. The leaders discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and economic development, alongside strategies for defense cooperation amid the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
Following their discussions, President Mahama emphasized the historical ties between Ghana and Mali, dating back to the era of their founding leaders, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Modibo Keita. He expressed appreciation for President Goita’s gesture of sending Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga to his inauguration on January 7, which was well-received by Ghanaians. Mahama acknowledged the strong socio-economic connections, noting the presence of a large Malian community in Ghana engaged in various enterprises.
The two leaders explored ways to enhance their economic relations, particularly through existing transit corridors facilitating trade between Ghana and Mali. President Mahama pointed out the need to alleviate challenges faced by transporters traversing these routes, enabling the smooth movement of goods between the two nations.
Additionally, discussions focused on bolstering defense cooperation to combat terrorism, recognizing that threats in one country impact the entire sub-region. President Mahama asserted the importance of collaboration in this fight, as Ghana and Mali share common regional interests and security threats.
Regarding the recent departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), President Mahama acknowledged existing trust issues but emphasized the need for mutual respect. He stated that, despite the divergent paths taken, this should not hinder the progression of bilateral relations and called for a commitment to coexistence within the sub-region.
In summary, President Mahama’s visit to Mali highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral relations through trade, economic cooperation, and mutual defense strategies against terrorism. Both leaders acknowledged their historical connections and outlined the need for ongoing dialogue to address challenges posed by regional developments, thereby reinforcing the commitment to peace and cooperation between Ghana and Mali.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
