Ghana, Germany to increase co-operation

Accra, Aug. 2, GNA - Ghana and Germany on Thursday renewed their commitment to deepen bilateral co-operation. The two countries have had diplomatic relations for 50 years and German Foreign Minister, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, says it is time to look forward to the future together and intensify their shared socio-economic and political interests.

"We have to discuss fields we could increase our co-operation," he said during bilateral talks with President John Agyekum Kufuor on the first day of his two-day visit to the country. He made reference to Ghana's energy challenges and said Germany could help the country out with its broad spectrum of technology in this area.

Education is the other critical area that needed to be focused on, he said. Dr. Steinmeier said he would be discussing country projects they could develop for co-operation.

President Kufuor expressed appreciation to the German Government for the concern and care it had been showing to the country. He said there could not have been a better time to review the relations between the two nations than in a jubilee year. Ghana and Germany have related well and the friendship should continue to grow.

"You are here to see things for yourself and advice your Government that Ghana is the country to partner with." President Kufuor said human resource development was one of the key priorities of the Government and Ghana welcomed the support Germany would extend to the country.

Many Ghanaian medical professionals were German-trained and had proved to be capable and competent, he said adding that more could be done in this area. The Foreign Minister's visit is at the invitation of President Kufuor. 02 Aug. 07