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The EU is ready to invest more in the EU-Ghana partnership despite the prevailing difficulties confronting both sides.
The Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, said Ghana and the EU had a shared ambition to further deepen trade relations.
He, however, said that what was important was for the two parties to embrace each other in many of the areas where their interests aligned. Mr Razaaly, who was addressing the opening of this year’s EU-Ghana partnership dialogue in Accra yesterday, said like any relationship, there was room for improvement, adding that in the face of current difficulties “our partnership is arguably stronger”.
The dialogue series has consistently served as an invaluable forum for nurturing mutual understanding and fostering cooperation and partnership between Ghana and the EU. It presents an opportunity to bring Ghana and the EU closer, by strengthening among others, economic cooperation and promoting sustainable development, peace, security, democracy, prosperity and solidarity.
With a history of collaboration dating back to the signing of the first financial protocol, the Lome One Convention between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) members in 1975, the framework had provided a comprehensive, balanced and deep political dialogue, and also enhanced cooperation guided by the fundamental principles of ownership and joint responsibility, respect for human rights, good governance, democratic principles and the rule of law.
Mr Razaaly said the EU would from next month celebrate the opening of a new Australian Embassy in Ghana, as other members were also making efforts to move to the country.
Mr Razaaly said both Europe and Ghana were confronted with direct threats to their security and stability and “security cannot be taken for granted anymore”. “We share a commitment in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, both within our borders and at the global level as well, and we are equally committed to maintaining and reinforcing democracy for and beyond elections,” he said.
Mr Razaaly further said that Ghana and the EU had interest in upholding rules-based multilateral order, amid testing moments, adding that “the EU is here to stay”. “We particularly appreciate the continued commitment of Ghana to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine since the invasion led by Russia,” he said.
