Minsk: President John Dramani Mahama will on Friday begin a state visit to Belarus. A statement issued by Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, said the visit was initiated at the invitation of Belarusian President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko.
According to Ghana News Agency, the visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between Ghana and Belarus, focusing on economic, agricultural, and technical cooperation. Upon arrival in Minsk, President Mahama is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Victory Monument to honor the Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who displayed bravery during World War II.
A central highlight of the visit will be a high-level meeting between President Mahama and President Lukashenko. The two leaders are set to engage in private bilateral talks, followed by an expanded diplomatic session involving ministers and senior officials from both nations. Discussions are expected to revolve around strategic partnerships in Agriculture, Education, and Commerce.
In line with President Mahama's industrialization and food security agenda, he will travel to Brest, one of Belarus' historic western cities. There, he will tour a major processor of milk, cheese, and baby products, which is anticipated to facilitate knowledge sharing and potential partnerships in agro-processing. While in Brest, President Mahama will also visit the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex to pay respects at the site of the 1941 Soviet defense against Nazi forces.
The itinerary includes a visit to Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe's last remaining primeval forests, highlighting the commitment of both countries to environmental conservation. The state visit will also see the signing of at least four landmark bilateral agreements aimed at fostering mutual growth and institutional collaboration between Ghana and Belarus.
President Mahama is expected to conclude his visit and return to Accra on Tuesday, 9 June.