Spanish Ambassador calls on Speaker Bagbin

His Excellency Javier Gutierrez, the Spanish ambassador to Ghana, paid Rt. Hon. Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin a visit today in the Ghanaian parliament in Accra.

The goal of the visit was to strengthen ties between the two nations, especially between members of the two parliaments. It was also intended to encourage close cooperation with civil society organizations and promote cross-cultural exchanges in the fields of education, renewable energy, trade and investment, sports, the arts, and culture, as well as security.

In 1973, Ghana’s ambassador to France was also concurrently accredited to Spain, while in 1986, the Spanish ambassador in Liberia was concurrently accredited to Ghana, according to Ambassador Gutierrez.

In 1989, Spain opened a permanent diplomatic mission in Accra, and in 2004, Ghana opened a mission there.

Following the introduction of Ghana’s diplomatic presence in the nation, bilateral ties between the two nations have gradually developed.

Since 2013, commerce between the two nations has increased rapidly, with a trade balance that favors Spain.

Aluminum, fish, seafood goods, timber, semi-processed wood products, cocoa butter, manganese, and fruit juice concentrate are Ghana’s top exports to Spain.

However, edible oil products, optical devices, ceramic tiles, electrical equipment, mining explosives, wine, and cosmetics are among Spain’s top exports to Ghana.

The awarding of Spanish Government scholarships to Ghanaians for postgraduate study in Spanish universities, according to Ambassador Gutierrez, has been critical to the development of cultural ties.

Spain has been providing scholarships to Ghanaian students to continue studies, primarily in Spanish language courses in Spanish universities, as a sign of her willingness to develop bilateral relations with Ghana. Spain has also sponsored courses for the Ghana Army.

Ambassador Gutierrez was reassured by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Bagbin of Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Spain in the fields of education, tourism, and culture.

Speaker Bagbin emphasized the need to increase the number of opportunities for women to get involved in politics, adding that these lawmakers must work with their counterparts from other legislatures. She also announced that members of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament will travel to Spain to participate in knowledge-sharing programs with their Spanish counterparts.

The majority leader, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, stated that tourism and trade exchanges might help both nations’ economies while also fostering closer ties between the two nations.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com