By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana and Bulgaria have renewed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on youth empowerment, education, and labour cooperation. This came to light during a courtesy call by the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria to Ghana, H.E. Nicolaas C.M. Van Staalduinen, on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two sides held fruitful discussions centered on expanding educational opportunities for Ghanaian youth in Bulgarian tertiary institutions, the activation of the Apostille Convention to simplify the authentication and legalization of documents, and the ratification of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, 1968. The latter is expected to pave the way for Ghanaian truck drivers to legally work in Bulgaria.
Welcoming the proposals, Mr Ablakwa noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s labour export strategy aimed at tackling unemployment.
“The ability to legally recruit Ghanaian truck drivers to work in Bulgaria will not only provide jobs but will also contribute to the country’s economic growth,” The Minister stated.
On education, the Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized the importance of expanding access to higher education.
“Opportunities for our students to study in Bulgarian institutions will complement efforts to address limited space in our tertiary education system and equip our youth with the necessary skills for a productive future,” Mr Ablakwa added.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a mutual commitment to ensure the implementation of the proposed initiatives, pledging to work closely to transform the ideas discussed into tangible outcomes for the benefit of both nations.
