Ghana, Luxembourg to explore visa waiver agreement

Ghana and Luxembourg have agreed to open discussions on a potential visa waiver agreement as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The visa waiver arrangement will be between Ghana and Luxembourg, as well as the broader Benelux Union comprising Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The proposed arrangement could form part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people relations and facilitate greater engagement between Ghana and the European countries involved.

The two ministers also discussed opportunities for practical economic cooperation in areas including value addition, digital technologies, agro-processing and industrial transformation, with a focus on job creation and support for local industries.

In a statement shared via social media on Wednesday, September 30, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions also covered international and regional developments, democratic values, human rights, security and the need for constructive dialogue among countries.

It said the two sides also explored ways to strengthen Ghana’s engagement with Luxembourg and other European partners on development cooperation, investment and people-to-people relations.

“The discussion highlighted opportunities for practical economic cooperation, particularly in value addition, digital technologies, agro-processing and industrial transformation,” the Ministry said in part of the post.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and closer bilateral ties while maintaining cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

“Ghana and Luxembourg will continue to collaborate strongly on shared priorities and common objectives within the multilateral system,” the Ministry added.