The fifth session of Ghana-Angola Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) has opened in Accra after almost five years of inactivity due to unavoidable circumstances.

The PJCC, established in February 1987 has been the framework under which the two countries have been strengthening relations through focused bilateral cooperation, underpinned by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's philosophy of total liberation for the African continent and promotion of African Unity.

Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, said at the opening session that said it was gratifying to know that the cordiality and bonds of solidarity between Ghana and Angola remained till present.

He noted that both countries over the years had sought to exploit the mutual goodwill by seeking to expand and find innovative ways to cooperate in other areas, especially in the economic sphere.

He said the bilateral relations is supported by high incidence of interaction at all levels between the people and the two leaders; Presidents John Evans Atta Mills and Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

Alhaji Mumuni said preceding the session, a technical committee meeting was held in Luanda last June to set the agenda for the session including re-strategising on how to effectively and efficiently implement its resolution.

He stated that the potential existed for enhanced cooperation between the two countries as the global economy had gone through significant and unprecedented change and global economic growth was being driven by emerging economies including countries of Africa.

Alhaji Mumuni urged delegates to recognise the challenges to developmental efforts posed by negative developments on the international arena such as global economic crisis, climate change, terrorism, disease and natural disasters.

“Such challenges should not be allowed to undermine our efforts to uplift the general well-being of our peoples,” he said.

He enjoined both countries not to relent in their efforts to use these avenues productively for the mutual benefit of their people and tasked the session to come up with realistic, time bound proposals that could expedite the implementation process.

Alhaji Mumuni reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment and determination to enhance mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation with Angola especially as both countries would conduct elections this year.

“The logic for working together is more compelling as an added strength and the synergy that is created through collaboration would enable us face and overcome challenges.”

Dr Exalgina Rene Olavo Gamboa, Secretary of State for Cooperation and Leader of the Angolan delegation expressed appreciation about the long-standing cordial relations between Ghana and Angola especially in the fields of economic, science and technology, adding that, it is important for both countries to work together.

She urged both countries to utilise each other’s expertise in specific areas such as fisheries and conflict resolution.

Dr Gamboa asked African countries to work together to resolve the conflicts in Mali, Sudan and South Sudan by removing the causes of the conflict through negotiation.

She expressed the hope that the session would bring revitalisation of the commission and work towards a new partnership.

“This session must make an indelible mark of friendship between Ghana and Angola," Dr Gamboa added.**