Pakistan and Ghana have taken a major diplomatic step by holding their first formal bilateral talks. The meeting marked a new chapter in relations between the two countries. Officials described the engagement as a milestone in strengthening political and economic cooperation. The talks concluded with the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two sides convened the first-ever Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) on Monday. The consultations were aimed at creating a structured framework for long-term cooperation. Diplomatic officials from both countries expressed optimism about future engagement and partnership.
High-Level Delegations Lead Historic Consultations
The Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary. The Ghanaian side was headed by Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both leaders emphasized the importance of institutional dialogue. They agreed that regular consultations would help advance shared goals.
During the meeting, Pakistan and Ghana signed two important MoUs. The first MoU established a formal mechanism for holding Bilateral Political Consultations. The second MoU was signed between Pakistan’s Foreign Service Academy in Islamabad and the Ghana Foreign Service Institute. This agreement aims to promote diplomatic training and professional exchange.
Officials said these agreements would help strengthen communication channels. They would also support capacity building in diplomacy. Both sides noted that such cooperation would improve mutual understanding and policy coordination.
Broad Cooperation Agenda Across Multiple Sectors
The Foreign Office stated that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations. They agreed to expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These include politics, trade, defence, tourism, culture, health, and education. Information technology and digital cooperation were also discussed as emerging priority areas.
Economic collaboration received special attention during the talks. Both sides explored opportunities to boost trade and investment. They discussed ways to encourage private sector engagement. Tourism and cultural exchanges were highlighted as tools to bring people closer.
The two delegations also agreed to hold the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad next year. Officials said regular meetings would ensure continuity and help translate commitments into practical projects.
Pakistan’s Growing Engagement with Africa
Pakistan and Ghana share friendly and cooperative ties that span several decades. However, both sides acknowledged that institutional dialogue would help unlock new opportunities. The Foreign Office said project-based cooperation would further strengthen bilateral relations.
The talks also reflect Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach to African nations. Islamabad has been actively working to expand ties across the continent. Recently, Pakistan signed an agreement with Somalia to abolish visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders. This move aims to ease official travel and enhance cooperation.
Last year, Pakistan’s Senate unanimously adopted a resolution declaring May 25 as Pakistan-Africa Friendship Day. The resolution was moved by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. It underlined Pakistan’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with African countries.
Diplomatic observers say the Pakistan-Ghana talks signal growing momentum in South-South cooperation. The newly signed MoUs are expected to pave the way for stronger engagement. Both countries expressed confidence that this partnership will continue to grow in the coming years.
