The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that he held separate meetings this week with the ambassadors of Israel and Iran to discuss the ongoing conflict between the two countries and to facilitate the safe evacuation of Ghanaian nationals.
According to a post on his official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa met with the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Roey Gilad, on Tuesday June 17, followed by a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador, H.E. Ali Ghomshi, on Wednesday, June 18.
The engagements, he said, provided an opportunity to communicate the Mahama Administration’s emergency evacuation strategy for Ghanaians living in both countries. The cited that first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully.
“So far, the first batch of Ghanaians in Iran have been evacuated to Turkey successfully. Our fellow nationals living in Israel will be evacuated shortly,” the minister stated.
Mr. Ablakwa further revealed that the discussions also enhanced Ghana’s understanding of the current conflict between Israel and Iran. However, he did not hold back from expressing Ghana’s disapproval of recent comments made by the Israeli envoy regarding Ghana’s voting decisions at international forums.
The Foreign Minister emphasized Ghana’s sovereign right to make independent foreign policy decisions rooted in the country’s Constitution and long-standing diplomatic values.
He underscored Ghana’s commitment to neutrality, multilateralism, adherence to international law, and peaceful conflict resolution.
“These cherished principles will continue to guide Ghana’s foreign policy imperatives within all international organizations, particularly at this defining moment when Ghana is serving on the UN Human Rights Council and chairing the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he noted.
Mr. Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s call for both Israel and Iran to declare a ceasefire and pursue a diplomatic resolution to their differences.
