General News of Monday, 15 April 2013

Source: radioxyzonline

Ghana does not object to Ahmadinejad's visit - Gov't

Minister for Foreign Affairs has stated that government is not perturbed by assertions that the country risks hurting the sensibilities of its Western partners due to the visit of the Iranian President.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is expected to visit Ghana on Tuesday on a two-day state visit.

But International Relations Expert Professor Keith Bluwey, has warned that government must tread cautiously with its association with the Iranian leader or risk hurting relations of its foreign partners.

However, speaking to XYZ News in an interview, Ms Hannah Tetteh stated that Iran has had some diplomatic relations with Ghana and would therefore not object to a visit by its President.

“President Ahmadinejad is the President of an independent state. He is visiting us in his capacity as the chairman of the Non-aligned Movement," she said.

“We have diplomatic relations with Iran and to that extent if in these circumstances and in his capacity he is visiting Ghana, it is not something that we object to."

The former Trade Minister also added that the visit by the Iranian Leader would also foster relations between the two countries due to the long-standing diplomatic ties.