Mahama pledges support for Middle East peace

President John Dramani Mahama said on Wednesday that Ghana would support any process that would bring a lasting peace to the entire Middle East.

"Ghana is willing to support any peace process that will bring lasting peace to people in the Middle East," he stressed.

President Mahama said this when Madam Sharon Bar-Li, outgoing Israeli Ambassador called on him at the Presidency.

Madam Bar-Li and two others, Cherrif Umar Diagne, outgoing Senegalese Ambassador and Ms Margit Thomsen, outgoing Danish Ambassador were at the Presidency to announce the end of their duty tour in Ghana.

President Mahama said peace is a necessity in the Middle East to enhance the socio-economic development of many developing countries.

He said Israel has been instrumental in the construction of the 600-bed capacity University of Ghana Teaching Hospital, Early Childhood Education programmes and bilateral agreements in health and agriculture.

The President also commended Israel for the contribution during the outbreak of Ebola Virus disease in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone and expressed the hope that the collaboration would be strengthened.

On Denmark, President Mahama said the European country has contributed tremendously in the provision of health, water and road facilities, indicating that the relations would be broadened country-wide.

He said as soon as the new Nigerian government is settled, it would join the rest to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

President Mahama commended the Senegalese government for the contributions in both activities of the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.

He recalled his unity talks with Senegalese President Macky Sall and former Nigerian Head of State; Goodluck Jonathan that restored peace in Burkina Faso after some political skirmishes that caused the exit of Blaise Campaore.

Madam Sharon Bar-Li expressed condolence to the government and people of Ghana for the deaths in the floods and fire disasters in Accra recently.

She said Israel and Ghana would strengthen their trade and commerce relations to ensure vibrant economic activities between the two countries.

Margit Thomsen, outgoing Danish Ambassador commended President Mahama for the role he played as Chairman of the Community of ECOWAS Heads of State and governments.

Mr Diagne said Ghana was a strong partner in the West African political history from where others would continue to draw lessons.