DSI Gifty Amgborme
International Diplomatic Assignment, Madrid / Ghana Immigration Service
The Office of the Director-General for Africa under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEC) in Spain, has organized a three (3)-day institutional and educational tour to the Gran Canary Islands for delegates participating in the ongoing Spain/ECOWAS One-Year Scholarship Master’s Degree course at the Foreign Service School in Madrid. The tour began on Wednesday, 31st May and ended on Friday, 2nd June, 2023.
Its objective was to provide the ECOWAS delegates who are representing from Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana, an opportunity to enrich their knowledge on international relations, public diplomacy and to bring them closer to Spanish institutions at the Las Palmas Gran Canary Islands.
The Gran Canary Island is geographically situated 94 kilometers away from the West African coast, three (3) hour flight from Madrid. To improve the relations and better respond to current and future needs between Africa and its closet European neighbour, Casa Africa was established since 2006 as the public diplomacy institution under the Ministry to support African institutions and bring Spain closer to its neighbours. It also offers diploma programs on diplomacy and other international relations courses.
At Casa Africa, delegates were received by the Director General of Casa África, José Segura Clavell, who introduced the rest of his administrative team. The tour within Casa Africa saw traditional elements of African history including games, images of prestigious African noble prize winners displayed on exhibition, fabrics, etc.
The Director General called for more patronage to the monumental institution which also offers programs and courses in Public Diplomacy, Economic Diplomacy, Digital Diplomacy, Management, Cultural Diplomacy, amongst others. There was also a symposium where the Spanish Ambassador to Sudan, His Excellency Isidro Gonzalez gave accounts of current challenges and Spain’s initiatives to supporting the youth in areas such as women football in Sudan.
The delegates were also taken to the Canary Island’s Maritime Ports and Harbours Emergency Authority. Here information received centered on how on operational activities of ships and boats through the islands including irregular migration emergency arrivals on the shore are managed systematically.
The World Food Program Distribution Center was the last place the Team visited. Delegates were taken through a presentation on how distribution is done in times of emergencies by use of helicopter deliveries, ships, drop offs, etc. emphasizes was also laid on the quality of food that is delivered especially with its rich nutrients to nourish people beneficiaries and boost their immune system.
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