Vice-President engages EU, Egypt ambassadors to deepen cooperation

The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has separately engaged with the Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, and Egypt’s Ambassador to Ghana, Wael Fathy Ahmed, to deepen cooperation with the EU and Egypt.

The two meetings held at the Jubilee House in Accra were also to explore new opportunities for regional trade, economic integration and sustainable development under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the EU, and also deepen the long-standing bilateral relations with Egypt.

The meeting with the EU held last Wednesday was also aimed at providing a strategic platform for both sides to assess existing areas of cooperation and also discuss new opportunities that could enhance economic growth, regional market access and cross-border partnerships. 

Collaboration

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the long-standing relationship between Ghana and the EU, and expressed optimism that a strengthened bilateral collaboration would yield transformational benefits not only to Ghana but the entire sub-region.

She emphasised the need for genuine partnerships, particularly in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

The Vice-President highlighted the importance of reviewing existing agreements, addressing gaps and fostering cooperation based on equity, respect and shared strategic interests.

“Peace is the cornerstone of progress. Adopting a preventative approach to security challenges is far more effective, sustainable and cost-efficient than reacting after crises occur,” she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang added that collective commitment, early action and strong institutional collaboration were critical to safeguarding stability.
For his part, Mr Skinnebach reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s national development priorities.

Deepening relations

The Vice-President in an interaction with the Egyptian ambassador yesterday said Ghana and Egypt shared a deep and historic relationship, and that the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors.

“Ghana remains committed to working closely with Egypt to broaden the scope of our cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to our people,”she said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed Ghana’s gratitude to the government and people of Egypt for the warm hospitality extended to President John Dramani Mahama during his recent visit to Cairo for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

She emphasised the global relevance of the museum, saying “the Grand Egyptian Museum is not only a monumental achievement for Egypt but a cultural treasure for the world”.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the need to forge stronger partnerships in training, technology and knowledge exchange.

“The world is changing rapidly, and our collaboration must reflect the pace of transformation.

“By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting shared learning, we can unlock new avenues of growth,” she added.

With both nations as home to dynamic youthful populations, the Vice-President further stressed the importance of empowering the next generation.

“Our young people hold immense promise and it is our duty to create pathways for skills development, innovation and meaningful opportunity,” the Vice-President said.

Commitment

Mr Fathy Ahmed commended Ghana’s longstanding friendship with Egypt, and expressed his commitment to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

“Egypt values its partnership with Ghana and looks forward to expanding collaboration in areas that will drive progress for both countries,” he said.