Accra:Ghana and Egypt are exploring new ways to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as defence, medicine, trade, housing, and major infrastructure projects. This was discussed during a bilateral meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Summit and the first Alamein Africa Forum in Egypt.
According to Ghana Web, the two leaders agreed to enhance the long-standing relationship between their countries and increase cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. President Mahama expressed gratitude to Egypt for its support of Ghana's resolution on reparations at the United Nations and encouraged ongoing support as discussions advance internationally.
Trade was a significant focus during the meeting, with both presidents exploring ways to facilitate business activities between Ghana and Egypt. This included attention to the pharmaceutical sector, considering ways to ease the registration of Egyptian pharmaceutical products in Ghana, which could boost investment and medicine access.
Defence and security cooperation were also on the agenda. President Mahama indicated Ghana's desire to strengthen security ties with Egypt, particularly in intelligence sharing, training, and counter-terrorism. He noted that Ghana could benefit from Egypt's developed defence industry to enhance its security capabilities.
The leaders also discussed the Sahel-Gulf of Guinea Accord and potential collaboration in providing affordable housing. Additionally, President Mahama showed interest in learning from Egypt's experience in developing major infrastructure, notably the New Administrative Capital, as Ghana considers developing a new city to alleviate congestion in Accra.
The meeting underscored the intention of both nations to transform their historic relationship into stronger cooperation that supports jobs, security, healthcare, and development.