Ghana is seeking stronger cooperation with Luxembourg in digital technology, trade, investment and agro-processing, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
Mr. Ablakwa made the disclosure after meeting Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week. The meeting focused on areas of shared interest and opportunities to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Mr. Ablakwa described the engagement as “very productive and positive”. “Our discussion focused on increasing trade and investment, intensifying cooperation in digital technologies, agro-processing and value addition,” he said.
Digital technology featured prominently in the discussions. Ghana and Luxembourg are also exploring greater cooperation in agro-processing and value addition.
The areas are part of Ghana’s efforts to build stronger economic partnerships and expand opportunities for investment and technology cooperation.
Travel arrangements also featured in the meeting. Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana and Luxembourg had agreed to begin discussions on a possible visa waiver agreement.
“We agreed to open discussions on a potential visa waiver agreement with Luxembourg and the broader Benelux union,” he said. The proposed visa waiver has not yet been concluded. The two sides have agreed only to open discussions on the possibility.
The discussions could also involve the wider Benelux Union, which comprises Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands. Beyond bilateral issues, Ghana and Luxembourg also intend to maintain cooperation within the multilateral system.
“Ghana and Luxembourg will continue to collaborate strongly on shared priorities and common objectives within the multilateral system,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The engagement took place during the UN General Assembly, a major international forum for discussions on global issues and cooperation among countries.
Mr. Ablakwa also acknowledged Mr. Bettel’s political experience. Bettel served as Luxembourg’s Prime Minister for a decade before becoming Foreign Minister.
“I wish the dynamic Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, who was also Luxembourg Prime Minister for a decade the very best,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The meeting reflects Ghana’s interest in expanding its partnership with Luxembourg beyond traditional diplomatic relations. The areas identified for deeper cooperation include trade, investment, digital technology, agro-processing and value addition.
A potential visa waiver could also strengthen people-to-people links between Ghana and Luxembourg and broaden engagement with the Benelux region.
However, no visa waiver agreement has been reached yet. Further discussions will be required before any such arrangement can be concluded.
For now, Ghana and Luxembourg will continue working on the areas discussed during the meeting while pursuing shared priorities through the multilateral system.
