India, Ghana elevate ties to comprehensive partnership after first prime ministerial visit in 30 years
In his media statement shortly after the talks with Mahama on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi said both sides have set a target of doubling the two-way trade in the next five years and that India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana's development journey.
The delegation-level meeting between the two leaders took place hours after Modi arrived in this capital city of the West African country on the first leg of his five-nation tour.
In a special gesture, the prime minister was received at the airport by President Mahama and was accorded a ceremonial welcome. It is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.
In their talks, the two leaders resolved to accelerate cooperation in key areas such as defence cooperation, food security and pharmaceuticals, especially vaccines.
Following the Modi-Mahama talks, the two sides inked four pacts that will provide for cooperation in several areas, including culture and traditional medicine.
"Today, the president and I have decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to a comprehensive partnership," Modi said, adding, "India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana's journey of nation-building."
"In agriculture, it will be our pleasure to lend support towards President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' programme," Modi said.
"We've discussed cooperation in vaccine production," he noted.
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