President Mahama visited Mali to meet President Goita, discussing trade, economic cooperation, and stronger defense collaboration amid regional security concerns. Their talks also addressed the implications of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger’s departure from ECOWAS, stressing mutual respect for ongoing partnerships.
On a recent visit to Bamako, President John Dramani Mahama met with Malian President General Assimi Goita. This visit is a part of Ghana’s strategy to fortify amicable relations with neighboring nations. The leaders discussed various topics including trade, economic cooperation, and collaborative defense efforts in response to terrorism, particularly considering the recent formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after their exit from ECOWAS.
President Mahama labeled the visit as friendly while acknowledging the long-standing historical ties between Ghana and Mali, originally established by their founding leaders, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Modibo Keita. He appreciated President Goita’s gesture of having Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga attend his inauguration, which he believed represented a strong cordial relationship between the two nations.
During their discussions, President Mahama emphasized the importance of enhancing economic relations, highlighting the existing transit corridors that allow for efficient trade between Ghana and Mali. He indicated that many drivers transport goods between the countries, and they deliberated on strategies to mitigate obstacles hampering these transport operations.
In addressing security concerns, President Mahama noted the necessity of strengthening defense collaboration as terrorism poses a significant threat across the region. He expressed the collective responsibility of nations in the sub-region to combat terrorism collaboratively, ensuring safety for all.
On the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, President Mahama acknowledged the underlying trust issues between AES and ECOWAS. He called for mutual respect to foster continued cooperation and encouraged maintaining strong bilateral relations despite geopolitical shifts, declaring that they are bound by common regional interests.
The meeting between President Mahama and President Goita underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation in trade and security against the backdrop of evolving regional dynamics. By reaffirming their historical ties and mutual respect, both leaders expressed optimism about enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in areas critical to their nations’ growth and regional stability.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
