Ghana, Vietnam Hold Inaugural Political Consultations, Sign Visa Exemption Agreement

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps

Accra, Ghana – July 2, 2026 – Ghana and Vietnam have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral relations with the successful maiden edition of the Ghana–Vietnam Political Consultations, held on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.

The high-level meeting brought together senior officials from both countries to assess the state of bilateral relations, exchange views on regional and international developments, and explore practical ways to deepen cooperation across key sectors.

Ghana’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, while the Vietnamese delegation was headed by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn.

Opening the consultations, Hon. Quayson described the inaugural meeting as a historic milestone in Ghana–Vietnam relations. He noted that the event coincides with the 60th anniversary of the peace mission undertaken by Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, to Vietnam, describing it as a lasting symbol of Ghana’s commitment to peace, solidarity and international cooperation.

He highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect, sovereign equality and South-South cooperation, with collaboration spanning trade, agriculture, fisheries, education, technical cooperation and capacity building.

According to him, the establishment of the Political Consultations mechanism will institutionalize regular dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding, and provide a structured platform to review bilateral cooperation while identifying new opportunities in agribusiness, manufacturing, digital innovation, renewable energy, infrastructure development, tourism, investment promotion, skills development and technology transfer.

Hon. Quayson also praised Vietnam’s remarkable economic transformation and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Vietnam in advancing international peace, sustainable development and the shared interests of developing countries through multilateral cooperation.

In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Lê Anh Tuấn expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded the Vietnamese delegation and described the consultations as an important step in reinforcing the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

He conveyed Vietnam’s condolences to the Government and people of Ghana following the recent floods that claimed several lives, while commending Ghana’s achievements in economic diversification, improved living standards and its leadership in promoting regional integration across Africa.

The Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a foreign policy rooted in peace, friendship, cooperation, multilateralism and diversified international partnerships.

Describing Ghana as one of Vietnam’s key partners in West Africa, Mr. Tuấn said Vietnam is committed to expanding cooperation through government-to-government, parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges.

He revealed that bilateral trade between Ghana and Vietnam exceeded US$1 billion in 2025, making Ghana Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner in Africa. He further called for closer collaboration in addressing global challenges and strengthening the role of both countries in regional and international affairs.

Discussions during the consultations covered political relations, high-level exchanges, trade and investment, technical cooperation, and regional and multilateral issues. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The consultations concluded with the signing of an Agreement on Visa Exemptions for Holders of Diplomatic, Official and Service Passports between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The agreement is expected to facilitate official exchanges, enhance institutional cooperation, and further deepen the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.