By Yaw Ansah, GNA
Accra, April 24, GNA - The Republic of Suriname, a country in South America, has opened its first Africa Embassy in Ghana to expand and strengthen political, economic, and trade relations for mutual interest and benefit.
The Embassy will play a pivotal role in facilitating people to people contacts, business-to-business opportunities, promote cultural exchanges, facilitate visits for tourists through e-visa and e-tourist card.
Suriname’s new embassy is the 62nd being hosted by Ghana’s capital Accra with an additional 29 consulates of other countries.
At an official opening in Accra, Mr Michael Ashwin Adhin, Vice-President of Suriname, said it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral relations between his country and Ghana.
“For far too long, we have kept the centuries separation intact resulting in living on two continents. Our people have never stopped longing for being united. This gives renewed impetus to our historic and cultural ties,” he stressed.
Mr Adhin explained that the inauguration of the embassy, which coincides with the commemoration of “The Year of the Return for People of African Descent to Ghana,” was a signal to the world that the people of Suriname had returned to the land of their forefathers.
The country, he said, was ready for investment with its abundant natural resources, including; gold, oil and gas and virgin rainforest, saying it had opened a new chapter for trade and partnerships to create opportunities to strengthen economic ties of both countries.
Vice-President Adhin stated that Suriname was geographically positioned in the shoulder of South America, and could function as Africa’s hub, through Ghana to Latin America and the Caribbean, presenting enormous economic and financial opportunities for investments.
“Consider that Suriname with a direct flight, is only six and a half hours away from Accra, while other connections last more than a day traveling by air. We need to harness these opportunities ourselves to improve the livelihood of our people,” he said.
In the area of agriculture, he said, the country had prioritised in its multi-annual development plan, to provide employment and called for the two countries to share ideas in that regard.
Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, re-affirmed Ghana’s continued commitment to work closely with the Government of Suriname for their mutual benefit.
She said Ghana would soon establish diplomatic representation in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Madam Botchwey recalled that the links between the two countries dated back to the period of the slave trade, and both countries would continue to explore new areas of cooperation.
She extended an invitation to the Government and people of Suriname to participate in the activities marking the Year of Return here in Ghana, a period dedicated to mark and commemorate 400 years since the arrival of the first African slaves in Jamestown, Virginia.
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