A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Korea Coast Guard and Ghana Navy on maritime safety and security co-operation has been signed, as the leaders of the two nations expand ties in economy, climate change and maritime.
Seoul on Wednesday hosted a summit, led by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who is on a working visit to the East Asian country.
According to South Korea’s Cheong Wa Dae, the goal of the co-operation is to “enhance stability in the Gulf of Guinea by strengthening the Ghana Navy’s maritime security capabilities and improving conditions for preventing accidents involving South Korean nationals and vessels and for crisis response,” as quoted by The Korea Herald.
Enhancing each other’s maritime capabilities
In an effort to boost maritime security capabilities, the agreement calls for enhanced co-operation in training and education.
Moreover, it calls for information exchange on transnational maritime crimes, involving drug smuggling, arms trafficking and piracy. Co-operation in search and rescue efforts including humans, planes and troubled vessels is also written under the memorandum.
Aside from maritime safety, the MoU also covered digital, technology and innovation development co-operation. The agreement seeks to enhance long-term ties on artificial intelligence and digital tech.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Maritime sector bets big on atomic propulsion
SKorea’s hospitality to Ghana
To commemorate the Ghanaian president’s working visit, South Korea prepared gifts, including a traditional folding screen designed with “Sugun Joryeondo”, or a folk painting of warships in formation during the Joseon dynasty.
“The gift reflects the symbolism of his visit to attend the ship-naming ceremony, while also highlighting the two countries’ commitment to maritime security cooperation and President Mahama’s interest in history,” said Cheong Wa Dae.
The presidential office of Ghana reported that Mahama will also visit the Ulsan shipyard of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, to witness the naming ceremony of a ship.
READ NEXT: Countries implement energy-saving measures amid soaring global energy prices
Elan Castanares 
Newsjustnews writers 
Shameeka Voyiya