President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that diplomacy is not simply about managing conflicts or disputes between nations; rather, it is about fostering mutual respect, building trust, and advancing shared interests.
He made these comments during the launch of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS at the AICC in Ghna's capital, where he stated, "Diplomacy is about fostering mutual respect and advancing our common interests." He explained that diplomacy's true essence lies in creating an environment where nations can work together towards common goals, whether those are related to security, trade, development, or cultural exchange.
President Mahama emphasised that diplomacy should go beyond political negotiations. "Our commitment to integration and diplomacy must extend to economic, social, and cultural dimensions," he remarked.
This holistic approach involves not just the harmonisation of trade negotiations, but also facilitating the free movement of people and fostering cooperation in education and healthcare. "These efforts must always be focused on the welfare of citizens," Mahama stressed.