On 17 April 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkēvičs, together with a business delegation, made a visit to Accra, Ghana. During the visit, the Foreign Minister met with the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as well as unveiling the Second Latvia-Ghana Business Forum.
During his meeting with the President and the Foreign Minister of Ghana, Edgars Rinkēvičs underlined Latvia’s commitment to intensify dialogue and deepen cooperation with African countries, including Ghana.
“In the current geopolitical climate, partnerships with like-minded countries need to be strengthened. Latvia welcomes Ghana’s clear position in opposing the Russian aggression in Ukraine and expressing its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is important for Latvia and Ghana to cooperate with international organisations in order to jointly address regional and global challenges,” the Latvian Foreign Minister pointed out. Edgars Rinkēvičs also noted the need to develop and deepen cooperation in economy, education and science.
As Edgars Rinkēvičs and Ghanaian officials discussed the deepening of economic cooperation and opened the Second Latvia-Ghana Business Forum, he noted the growing interest of Latvian businesses in building cooperation.
“I am pleased that a large delegation of Latvian entrepreneurs has arrived in Ghana, comprising representatives from the sectors of information and communication technologies, education, science, research and innovation, as well as the timber industry and chemical industry. This shows real interest in developing cooperation and joint projects. Several Latvian companies are already active in Ghana, while others, especially in the field of information and communication technologies, see the potential for cooperation. The Latvian Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue their support for deepening economic relations with Ghana,” the Minister emphasized. Edgars Rinkēvičs also expressed satisfaction with the quality offer of Latvian companies and the active participation of Ghanaian businessmen in the business forum.
The Foreign Minister welcomed the Memoranda of Understanding that Riga Technical University and the Latvian University of Biosciences and Technologies had concluded with the University of Energy and Natural Resources of Ghana during the visit, which will facilitate cooperation and exchange of students between the universities.