By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, June 05, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama will on Friday begin a state visit to Belarus.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications said the visit was at the invitation of his Belarusian counterpart President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko.
It said the visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and Belarus.
The statement said it would also explore new frontiers in economic, agricultural, and technical cooperation.
It said upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama would lay a wreath at the Victory Monument.
This gesture, the statement said was honours Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who showed immense bravery during World War II.
It noted that a central highlight would be a high-level meeting between the two Heads of State.
It said President Mahama and President Lukashenko would hold private bilateral talks.
The statement said this would be followed by an expanded diplomatic session with ministers and senior officials from both countries.
It said the discussions would focus on strategic partnerships in Agriculture, Education, and Commerce.
The statement said in line with President Mahama’s industrialisation and food security agenda, he would travel to Brest, one of Belarus’ most historic western cities.
It said there, the President would tour one of the region’s largest processors of milk, cheese, and baby products.
It said this visit was expected to facilitate knowledge sharing and potential partnerships in agro-processing.
Adding that while in Brest, President Mahama would also visit the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, where he would pay respects at the site of the 1941 Soviet defence against Nazi forces.
The statement said the itinerary includes a visit to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s last remaining primaeval forests.
It noted that this visit underscores the two countries’ commitment to environmental conservation.
It said the state visit would include the signing of at least four landmark bilateral agreements.
It said these agreements were designed to foster mutual growth and institutional collaboration between Ghana and Belarus.
The statement said President Mahama was expected to depart Belarus and return to Accra on Tuesday, 9 June.
GNA.
Kenneth Odeng Adade