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Ghana and Egypt have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations as the two countries prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties next year.
The commitment was made last Friday at a reception to commemorate Egypt's 74th National Day
It was organised by the Embassy of Egypt in Ghana in collaboration with the Four Points by Sheraton Accra Airport Hotel.
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, addressing the event, said Ghana remained committed to expanding cooperation with Egypt in areas such as trade, investment, agriculture, education, health, tourism, security and capacity building.
He said the longstanding relationship between the two countries was built on a shared history, Pan-African ideals and a mutual commitment to the development of the continent.
"Next year, Ghana and Egypt will commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations.
This will be a watershed moment and a remarkable milestone that reflects the strength, resilience and continuity of our bilateral partnership," he said.
He said Ghana appreciated Egypt's contribution to Africa's liberation struggles and acknowledged the role played by Egyptian investments in Ghana's economic development.
Mr Terlabi said the presence of Egyptian companies in Ghana continued to contribute to industrial growth, employment creation and skills transfer, adding that there was room to expand private sector collaboration between the two countries.
The Egyptian Ambassador to Ghana, Wael Fathy, said both countries were working towards reviving the Ghana-Egypt Joint Commission, which had not met for about three decades, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
He said the two countries were also preparing several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in areas, including information technology, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals and education.
"This year, we are planning to have the Joint Commission between both countries, which didn't happen during the last three decades," he said.
Mr Fathy said about 50 Egyptian companies were currently operating in Ghana, contributing investments and creating jobs in various sectors.
He said Egypt was also preparing to host a business forum in October to showcase Ghana's investment opportunities to the wider African market.
The Egyptian ambassador said the relationship between Ghana and Egypt was anchored in the shared vision of former leaders Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt and Dr Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, who worked towards African unity and liberation.
He said the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, which the National Day commemorated, played a role in inspiring independence movements across Africa.
"It is a tribute to the enduring friendship between Egypt and Ghana and to the principles that have guided our nations for generations," he said.
The General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Accra Airport Hotel, Philippe Bailloux, said Ghana's business environment provided opportunities for the hospitality sector due to its mix of corporate, government and international clients.
He said the hotel was working to maintain high standards and earn the trust of its customers.
"It is for us to prove to the community that we are worth their trust and not the other way around," he said.
Mr Bailloux further said hosting the celebration was significant to him due to his personal connection with Egypt, having lived there for more than two decades and being married to an Egyptian.
The hotel, which opened about six months ago, he said, was committed to hosting events that brought together different communities.
