By Hannah Dadzie
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, paid a working visit to Malaysia on Thursday, June 6, 2024, during which she met with her Malaysian counterpart, H.E. Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan.
Given the shared colonial heritage between the two countries, their discussions centred on strengthening existing bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation, including technology transfer, renewable energy, and agriculture.
They also discussed sharing best practices for mutual benefit. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey stressed the significance of youth engagement and participation in governance, especially considering their substantial representation within global populations. She reiterated that the concerns and aspirations of younger generations should be effectively addressed in policy-making.
“This approach would foster more inclusive and forward-thinking governance, positioning the youth as future leaders equipped to address the challenges of their time,” she added.
The Minister spoke about her candidature for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and seized the opportunity to articulate her vision. She emphasised the need for a transformational agenda aimed at building resilience to confront contemporary challenges, stagnating economies, ever-increasing inequality, high youth unemployment, climate disasters, and threats to democracy and human rights.
During her visit, she also held an interaction with some resident High Commissioners and Ambassadors serving in Malaysia.