Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - Ghana and Algeria are ready to revive their joint permanent commission, possibly next year, to strengthen bilateral links with each other.

Both President John Evans Atta Mills and Mr Lakhal Benkelai, who paid a farewell call on President Mills at Osu Castle in Accra, said there was a need for a resuscitation of the joint commission to enhance cooperation between the two countries and promote trade, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

Mr Benkelai was in the country for a five-year duty tour. President Mills commended Mr Benkelai for acquitting himself well and looked forward to greater interaction between the two countries. He traced the historical links between Ghana and Algeria and recalled that they both cooperated in the African liberation struggle, noting that the two nations had to build on the foundations that they had already laid. President Mills said there was a lot more that united Ghana and Algeria than they seemed to appreciate.

He called on African leaders to take up the task and use the resources of their countries to improve the standard of living of their people. Mr Benkelai thanked President Mills, the Government and people of Ghana for their assistance during his tour of duty tour.

He commended Ghana for being the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to recognize the independence of Algeria in 1962, and its fight and contribution to the African liberation struggle.

The out-going Algerian Ambassador identified the need for the two countries to extend their cooperation to areas of science and technology. President Mills later presented a stool (asesedwa) as a symbol of the nation's appreciation to the service of Mr Benkelai, Mr Benkelai also gave a gift to President Mills. 5 Nov. 09