President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level talks with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and beyond.

The meeting took place on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Make it in the Emirates 2026 summit at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where both leaders explored new avenues for investment and collaboration. Central to the discussions was a proposal for the UAE to invest in oil and gas storage infrastructure in Ghana, a move expected to enhance the country’s energy security and capacity.

Beyond fossil fuels, the two leaders underscored the importance of diversifying energy sources. They highlighted the need to expand into cleaner alternatives, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and solar power, as part of efforts to reduce over-reliance on crude oil and support a more sustainable energy future.

The conversation also touched on broader economic cooperation, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening ties in trade, investment, renewable energy, innovation, technology, and artificial intelligence.

On global issues, President Mahama expressed solidarity with the UAE amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, acknowledging the country’s complex geopolitical position. Both leaders voiced hope for a swift resolution to the US-Iran conflict, noting that lasting peace would enable greater global focus on sustainable development and innovation.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the UAE. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described Ghana as a “peaceful partner” and a “secure, stable democracy,” emphasizing the strong potential for mutual growth.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the renewed partnership would deliver tangible gains in trade, investment, and sustainable energy development for the benefit of their respective countries.