Ghana, Hungary join forces to boost water management

25th Jan 2019 | Source: GNA

Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hungary on cooperation in water management with a commitment towards establishing a framework for swift and seamless co-operation between the two countries in ensuring equality, reciprocity and mutual benefits.

The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, January 22, in Brussels, Belgium, at the sidelines of the just ended First Annual European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) Ministerial Meeting.

Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, initialled for Ghana, while Hungary’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Péter Szijjártó, signed on behalf of his country.

Mr Szijjártó pledged his support to the agreement, in accordance with the national laws and regulations in force in the two countries.

These were announced in a statement issued by the Public Relations outfit of the Ministry, in Accra.It said besides the signing of the MoU, Ms Botchwey also met with her counterparts from Malta and Portugal to explore possibilities of further deepening relations between Ghana and the two countries.

The EU-AU ministerial meeting, the first annual inter – summit forum, was an opportunity to take stock of the implementation of the outcome of the Fifth AU – EU Summit held in Abidjan, in November 2017.

It marked a milestone in reshaping the partnership into an even stronger and mutually beneficial one, especially in the rapidly evolving global context.The meeting brought together Foreign Ministers of the European Union and their counterparts from over 50 countries in Africa, including Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Senegal and Niger.

The participants discussed issues on peace, security and governance, trade and investment and economic integration as well as multilateralism, which they believe is the best recipe for deepening cooperation.

To solidify the agreement, the meeting among others, adopted a communiqué where members confirmed their common determination to build on partnerships and move towards an even stronger, deeper and more political partnership and friendship between Africa and Europe.

The meeting was co-chaired by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda, Richard Sezibera.