Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has called for more bilateral engagements between Ghana and Italy in areas such as agriculture and trade.

According to her, these are areas both countries are yet to explore despite their longstanding relationship.

The Foreign Affairs Minister made this call in a meeting with her Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani in Rome.

Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey commended the Italian government for its cooperation and support over the years in key areas including education, sports, energy etc.

She touted the various flagship programmes introduced by President Akufo-Addo such as the Free Senior High School policy, One district, One Factory and digitalization. She said these social intervention programmes are part of the President’s vision of empowering Ghanaians financially while creating opportunities for all.

The Minister stressed on the need for both countries to widen their net of cooperation whilst focusing on other equally important sectors such as agriculture, security, trade and investment.

Madam Botchwey also highlighted the need for partnership in industrialisation on the back of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while urging the Italian government and other development partners of the continent to “leverage the continental pact to explore the opportunities it presents.”

On security, Madam Botchwey expressed her appreciation to the European Union (EU) of which Italy is a member for their support in ensuring peace and security in the Sahel. She commended Italy for helping to curb insecurity in the region thereby avoiding spillovers that can destabilise the peace needed for development.

On his part, the Italian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajanj, who also doubles as Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister reiterated the essence of the positive relationship between Italy and Ghana and said it was “heartwarming” to host Madam Ayorkor Botchwey to discuss matters of mutual concern and interest.

While briefing the Minister on the aspirations of the Italian government in becoming the leading European energy hub, Antonio Tajani talked about Italy’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 and asked for Ghana’s support.

He further elaborated on the upcoming Italy-Africa Conference to be held in the fourth quarter of 2023 aimed at promoting initiatives that will enhance relations between Italy and Africa. He applauded Ghana for her resilience in attaining self–sufficiency and reliance which has seen the two countries transition from aid to trade while working together.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister was in the company of Ghana’s Ambassador to Italy, Madam Merene Botsio Benyah, the Head of Chancery, Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman and other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.