Ghana opens embassy in Qatar after decades of "progressive" ties

DOHA, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Ghana has opened its embassy in Qatar's capital Doha after more than 30 years of "progressive" relations between the two countries, local media reported Tuesday.

"The bilateral relations between Qatar and Ghana will be further expanded, strengthened and consolidated" after the opening of the embassy, Qatar-based English newspaper Gulf Times cited Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as saying at the inauguration of the embassy.

Botchwey also expressed appreciation for Qatar's efforts to facilitate the speedy opening of Ghana's embassy in Doha.

In addition, she hailed the appointment of the Ghanaian Ambassador to Qatar in March as a significant milestone in "the progressive developments in the relations" between the two countries.

Last December, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani visited Ghana and signed several agreements with the African country in multiple sectors.

Qatar and Ghana have maintained economic and investment cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1982.

On June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt abruptly severed diplomatic, trade and transport links to Qatar.

Unlike eight other African countries, Ghana did not follow the steps of the Arab quartet, and voiced its support for a Kuwait-backed dialogue to resolve the crisis. Enditem