The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, H.E. Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Dhakel, has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to congratulate him on his re-election as Speaker of the Ninth Parliament and to explore avenues for deepening diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Ghana.
During the meeting, held in Parliament House, Ambassador Al-Dhakel described Ghana as a “strategic country in the sub-region” and underscored the importance of deepening cooperation between the two nations. He called for the continued support of the Speaker and Members of Parliament in fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties.
The Ambassador also expressed concern over the slow implementation of some Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) previously signed between the two countries. He appealed to Speaker Bagbin and the leadership of Parliament to help expedite progress on these agreements, noting that they hold significant potential for mutual benefit.
In response, Speaker Bagbin expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued hospitality toward Ghanaian pilgrims, commending the Kingdom for consistently welcoming thousands of Ghanaians to the Holy Land.
He also highlighted the importance of Saudi Arabia’s experience in Islamic finance, noting that the current government would welcome the Kingdom’s support and expertise in establishing an Islamic bank in Ghana. “The current Government will need the support and guidance in the establishment of the Islamic bank” he said.
He assured the Ambassador that the MOUs would receive the necessary attention once presented to Parliament.
The Speaker also announced plans to soon inaugurate the Parliamentary Friendship Association and assured the Ambassador that he would be invited to participate in the initiative, which is intended to strengthen parliamentary relations between Ghana and Saudi Arabia.
The meeting reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, finance, religion, and education, with Parliament positioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating these partnerships.