Accra, June 30, GNA - Ghana and China are jointly organising celebration of the 50th anniversary of relations between them on Friday, July 2.

A joint statement issued in Accra on Wednesday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Chinese Embassy said the two countries established diplomatic relations on July 5, 1960. "July 5, 2010 marks exactly 50 years of abiding commitment, mutual understanding and close cooperation between the two countries," it said. The celebration is under the theme "Partnership, Cooperation and Development - Experiencing 50 Years of Relations between Ghana and China". The statement said the two friendly countries, had outlined a programme of activities to mark the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of the relations.

It includes donation of commemorative stamps by the Chinese Government to the Ghana Post and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.

The statement said that there would be exchange of congratulatory messages between the Heads of 5tate and Foreign Ministers of the two countries; mounting of photo exhibition, reception; China Movie Week and the Black Satellites would undertake a trip to China for a friendly soccer match with their Chinese counterparts. It said "As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our bilateral relations, we recall with satisfaction the mutual understanding, friendship and close collaboration that have existed between our two countries over the years. "We also appreciate the support and assistance that we receive from the People's Republic of China and look forward to exploring further opportunities to strengthen our bilateral relations". 30 June 10