Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the inaugural session of the Ghana-Kyrgyzstan Political Consultations today in Accra, marking a significant milestone in the diplomatic trajectory of both nations. The meeting was co-chaired by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zheenbek Kulubaev.
The political consultations follow an initial diplomatic breakthrough in March when Ablakwa completed an official visit to Bishkek, becoming the first foreign minister from the African continent to visit the Kyrgyz Republic. Building upon foundational diplomatic ties established in 1992, today’s sessions formalize a framework for sustained bilateral engagement, regular political dialogue, and strategic cooperation across multiple economic sectors.
Opening the consultations, Ghana’s Foreign Minister underscored the growing momentum between the two nations, highlighting reciprocal diplomatic support within multilateral bodies. He expressed deep appreciation to Kyrgyzstan for co-sponsoring the Ghana-led United Nations resolution designating the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity, as well as Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to rally regional support across Central Asia.
”You were our Central Asia campaign manager, and you made it possible,” Ablakwa stated. “Ghana is eternally grateful to you for that.”
He also congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, noting Ghana’s role in mobilizing African diplomatic support.
”It’s always good to return the favor,” the Minister noted, emphasizing that the timing aligns strategically with Ghana’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union. “The first priority area is peace and security, and we will need the membership of the U.N. Security Council to help us. So it’s quite fortuitous that you are going on the Security Council in January, the same month next year that Ghana is also going to chair the African Union. This really is a strategic partnership.”
To support Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming term on the Security Council, the Minister, on behalf of the nation offered the technical expertise of senior diplomatic corps, including Coordinating Director Ambassador Harold Agyeman, who previously served as Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the UN.
”We are ready to put at your disposal our recent experience as members of the U.N. Security Council,” Minister Ablakwa offered. “I did indicate that we are available to ensure that he assists you fully. I think that he should be a consultant to you, and we’ll do that for free.”
Delivering greetings on behalf of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Japarov, Minister Kulubaev expressed gratitude for the warm reception in Accra and articulated a vision for deeper ties.
”Our bilateral talks today will undoubtedly prove that a nation’s global influence is not measured by its size, but by the courage of its initiatives,” Kulubaev declared. “As Kyrgyzstan seeks to extend its presence in Africa, we look forward to establishing Ghana as our gateway to West Africa, just as we are standing ready to be your reliable partners in every initiative.”
He praised Ghana’s diplomatic legacy, referencing historical figures such as Kwame Nkrumah and Kofi Annan, and noted the strong alignment between both nations on international reform.
”One of the important areas in our political cooperation is the reform of the UN Security Council,” the Minister noted. “Kyrgyzstan shares Ghana’s view that the historical injustice towards the African continent should be addressed.”
He also highlighted the structural alignment between the national development programs of both countries. Kyrgyzstan’s Leopard Leap initiative and Ghana’s Resetting Ghana agenda as well as existing people-to-people ties, citing the contributions of Ghanaian football players and professionals active in Kyrgyzstan.
Closing the session, Minister Kulubaev announced an official invitation extended on behalf of President Japarov for the President of Ghana to undertake a state visit to Kyrgyzstan in 2027. This follows Ghana’s formal invitation to President Japarov to attend the upcoming celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Ghana’s independence.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing the new consultation platform to build a resilient, forward-looking partnership designed to advance the shared prosperity of their peoples.
Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
