Joint Communiqué between the Government of Ghana and the Government of South Africa, on the occasion of a Working Visit to Ghana, at the invitation of the Government of Ghana, of His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, from 4th to 5th December, 2019
At the invitation of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa undertook a two-day Working Visit to Ghana from 4th- 5th December, 2019.
2. H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation consisting of Ministers, Senior Government Officials and Businessmen and women.
3. During the visit, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo held bilateral talks with His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa at the Jubilee House. His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo welcomed His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa’s first visit to Ghana and expressed hope that the visit will further enhance the good relations and cooperation between the two countries.
4 The two Leaders reviewed existing relations and cooperation between the two countries and were satisfied with the warmth and cordiality that had informed the relations and cooperation between the two countries. They exchanged views on a wide range of bilateral, continental and international issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their determination to deepen and widen bilateral relations and cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples.
5. The Leaders discussed the state of bilateral relations and observed that trade relations between the two countries could be enhanced within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area for which trading will begin in July 2020. To this end, they decided to strengthen commercial relations between the private sectors of the two countries and directed relevant government entities to create the enabling environment that will bring the private sectors together.
6. The two Leaders recalled the elevation of the existing General Cooperation Agreement to a Bi-National Commission and urged their Ministers of Foreign Affairs to work towards the convening of the First Session of the Bi-National Commission in the first quarter of 2020.
7. Both Leaders deliberated on the need to ensure sustainable food production in Africa against the backdrop of the rising trends in population and stressed the importance of food security. The South African President commended Ghana for implementing the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme in Ghana as a means of boosting food production, leading to creation of jobs and the production of raw materials for industry.
8 The two Leaders stressed the need for greater collaboration in the agriculture and defense sectors and requested the relevant sector Ministers to forge stronger links of cooperation in the area.
9. The two Leaders reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation between their two countries in all areas especially in the energy, health, automobile and textile sectors with the private sectors of both countries in the lead.
10. The two Presidents urged their respective institutions to take necessary action for the signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty between Ghana and South Africa to guarantee investment.
11. The two Leaders reviewed the state of peace and security in the Africa and noted the need for holistic and concerted action in addressing threats to the peace and security of the Region. They emphasised the need to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism in the on the Continent and pledged the commitment of their two Governments in countering terrorism and extremism.
12. The two Leaders reaffirmed the commitment of the two countries to cooperate at the levels of the African Union, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations and to deepen the shared values of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
13. The two Presidents reiterated their common view on the need to promote multilateralism and South-South cooperation. In this regard, they reiterated the call for the reform of the global system of governance in particular the United Nations Security Council to be more equitable and representative of all the peoples of the world.
14. His Excellency Cyril Ramophosa thanked His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Government of Ghana for the warm hospitality accorded him and his delegation during the working visit.
Done in Accra, Ghana on the 5th day of December, 2019.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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