By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, July 3, GNA–Ghana and Viet Nam have inaugurated a Bilateral Political Consultation Mechanism aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education and other priority sectors.
The maiden Ghana-Viet Nam Political Consultations, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, provided an opportunity for both countries to review bilateral relations, exchange views on regional and international developments, and explore new areas of collaboration.
The consultations reviewed progress in political relations, high-level exchanges, trade and investment, technical cooperation and regional and multilateral issues, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening engagement in areas of mutual interest.
Ghana and Viet Nam established diplomatic relations in 1965 and have maintained cordial ties founded on South-South cooperation, mutual respect and shared development aspirations.
Over the years, cooperation has expanded from political relations to include trade, agriculture, fisheries, education and technical assistance.
The inauguration of the Political Consultation Mechanism is expected to institutionalise regular dialogue between the foreign ministries of both countries and provide a framework for advancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer and other strategic sectors.
The Ghanaian delegation was led by Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, while the Vietnamese delegation was headed by Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Mr. Quayson described the inaugural consultations as a major milestone in the relations between the two countries.
He said the dialogue would institutionalise regular engagement and provide a structured platform for reviewing bilateral cooperation and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.
He noted that the consultations coincided with the 60th anniversary of the peace mission undertaken by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to Viet Nam, describing the visit as a lasting symbol of Ghana’s commitment to peace, solidarity and international cooperation.
The Deputy Minister said Ghana and Viet Nam had built a strong partnership over the years based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and South-South cooperation, with collaboration spanning trade, agriculture, fisheries, education, technical cooperation and capacity building.
He said Ghana was keen to deepen cooperation with Viet Nam in agribusiness, manufacturing, digital innovation, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, investment promotion, skills development and technology transfer.
Mr. Quayson underscored the importance of continued collaboration in multilateral fora to advance international peace, sustainable development and the interests of developing countries.
Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn described the maiden consultations as an important step towards strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He conveyed the condolences of the Government and people of Viet Nam to Ghana following the recent flooding that claimed lives and caused widespread destruction.
The Vietnamese Deputy Minister commended Ghana for its economic diversification efforts, improvements in living standards and leadership role in promoting regional integration in Africa.
He reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to a foreign policy anchored on peace, friendship, cooperation, multilateralism and the diversification of international relations.
Mr. Tuấn described Ghana as an important partner for Viet Nam in West Africa and said his country was ready to expand cooperation through government-to-government, parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges.
He said bilateral trade between Ghana and Viet Nam exceeded US$1 billion in 2025, making Ghana Viet Nam’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa.
The consultation culminated with the signing of an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam on Visa Exemptions for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports.
The agreement is expected to facilitate official travel, strengthen institutional cooperation and further deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.
GNA
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong