Mahama begins four-day state visit to Belarus, eyes stronger economic and agricultural ties

President John Dramani Mahama has commenced a four-day state visit to the Republic of Belarus aimed at deepening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in key sectors, including agriculture, education, commerce, and technical development.

The visit, which began on Friday, June 5, is being undertaken at the invitation of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko and is expected to result in the signing of at least four bilateral agreements between the two countries.

According to a statement issued by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit seeks to strengthen existing ties between Ghana and Belarus while exploring new opportunities for economic and technical collaboration.

“The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and Belarus. It will also explore new frontiers in economic, agricultural, and technical cooperation,” the statement said.

A major highlight of the visit will be bilateral talks between President Mahama and President Lukashenko in the Belarusian capital, Minsk.

The two leaders are expected to hold a private meeting before leading an expanded session involving ministers and senior government officials from both countries.

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening partnerships in agriculture, education, trade, and investment, areas both governments consider critical to their development agendas.

“The discussions will focus on strategic partnerships in Agriculture, Education, and Commerce,” the statement noted.

As part of efforts to support Ghana’s industrialisation and food security objectives, President Mahama will also travel to the city of Brest, where he is scheduled to tour one of the region’s largest dairy processing facilities.

The visit is expected to provide insights into modern agro-processing technologies and create opportunities for future collaboration between Ghana and Belarus in the agricultural sector.

While in Brest, the President will pay a visit to the Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex, a historic site dedicated to the defenders of the Soviet Union during World War II.

His itinerary also includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved primeval forests, reflecting the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Government officials say the state visit is expected to deepen institutional cooperation and open new avenues for investment, trade, technology transfer, and agricultural development.

“The State Visit will include the signing of at least four landmark bilateral agreements designed to foster mutual growth and institutional collaboration between Ghana and Belarus,” the statement added.

President Mahama is expected to conclude the visit and return to Accra on Tuesday, June 9.