Ghana and Kyrgyzstan agree on visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders

Ghana has signed a visa waiver agreement with the Kyrgyz Republic for holders of diplomatic and service passports as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed during an official visit by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the trip as historic.

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According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the visa waiver agreement is the first step toward easing travel between the two countries.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) he said:

He expressed gratitude to President Sadyr Japarov and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev for the invitation and hospitality.

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A second agreement was also signed to establish formal political consultations between Ghana and Kyrgyzstan, a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic engagement and cooperation.

Visa waiver agreements typically allow certain categories of passport holders to travel between countries without the need for a visa, helping to promote diplomatic exchanges, trade, tourism, and investment.

Beyond travel facilitation, both countries are also exploring economic partnerships, particularly in the gold mining sector.

The Kumtor mine is one of the largest gold mines in Central Asia and a key contributor to Kyrgyzstan’s economy.

Ablakwa added that the new partnership would help Ghana explore diversified markets for its growing economy, while deepening relations with Kyrgyzstan, which he described as a country with one of the strongest GDP growth rates globally in recent years.

Ablakwa said both countries are eager to build a strategic and visionary partnership on a number of priority areas, adding that Kyrgyzstan’s recent observer status at the African Union also creates opportunities for stronger engagement with African countries.

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The Kyrgyzstan agreement adds to a growing list of visa waiver and travel facilitation arrangements Ghana has pursued in recent years to improve mobility for its citizens and strengthen international relations.

Ghana has signed several similar agreements with countries across Africa, the Caribbean and other regions, including a visa-free travel arrangement with Morocco, aimed at boosting trade, tourism and people-to-people connections.

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous, landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, known for its dramatic Tian Shan and Pamir landscapes.

Formerly a Soviet republic, it became independent in 1991 and operates as a parliamentary republic with a population of over 7 million.