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Front Page
GHANA SEEKS BRAZIL’S SUPPORT FOR PROGRESS
WEDNESDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2005 -- President J.A. Kufuor yesterday reiterated Africa’s determination to fight poverty and backwardness and be part of the globalisation process. “What is left to move the agenda forward is genuine partners who would help the continent to lift itself up from the present economic stagnation,” he added.
President Kufuor was speaking at the beginning of bilateral talks between Ghana and the visiting Brazilian delegation led by its President, Mr Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, at the Castle, Osu. “We need partners and Brazil qualifies to be our partner in our quest for development, “he stressed.
President Kufuor said the visit of the Brazilian president should be used to explore the possibility to hasten the process of socio-economic development of the continent to enable Africa to secure a dignified place in the global village.
The visit of the Brazilian president, he said, is significant especially at a time when Brazil is assuming a very important role in the comity of nations in the south and north of America. He said Brazil, with the endowment of almost all the characteristics of first, second and third world countries, is the best country that can partner Africa in general and Ghana in particular to move the economy forward.
The President said Ghana had well positioned itself to lead Africa out of the wilderness and called on Brazil to be part of the effort. Being the first country to gain independence in South Saharan Africa, he said the country has since been the pacesetter in Africa, adding that “when the two countries decide to work together it will be well and good for Africa.”
President da Silva on his part said he has decided since his assumption of office to let the presence of Brazil be felt in Africa, hence, his tour of the continent. He traced the cultural links between Ghana and Brazil and said it was time to make up for all the time lost. President da Silva pledged the commitment of Brazil to have a true relationship with Ghana in the areas of trade whilst cultural ties would be strengthened.
The two sides later signed memoranda of understanding on air services and political consultation. Nana Akufo Addo, the foreign minister, signed for Ghana whilst the Brazilian minister for external relations, Mr Celso Amorim, initialled for his country. President Kufuor and his Brazilian counterpart witnessed the signing ceremony.
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