Ghana and South Korea have signed a landmark visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, in what officials describe as a major step forward in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and South Korea’s Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, during the ongoing Africa-Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Announcing the development, Mr. Ablakwa said the agreement is the first visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and South Korea in nearly 50 years of formal diplomatic relations, describing it as a historic achievement for both nations.
Under the agreement, holders of diplomatic and service passports from the two countries will be able to travel without obtaining visas, a move expected to facilitate official engagements and deepen cooperation between Accra and Seoul.
The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that negotiations will continue to explore the possibility of extending the visa waiver arrangement to holders of ordinary passports in the future.
Such a move, if concluded, could further enhance travel, business, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the agreement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Ghana and South Korea and reflects the growing partnership between the two nations across various sectors.
He also indicated that the signing delivers on key priorities identified during President John Dramani Mahama’s working visit to South Korea in March this year, where discussions focused on expanding cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
The latest agreement is expected to boost diplomatic engagement and serve as a foundation for broader collaboration as Ghana and South Korea seek to deepen their longstanding relationship.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI
