Accra, Feb. 14, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday commended Libyan Leader Brother Muammar al-Qathafi on his election as Chairman of the African Union, with an assurance to strengthen relations between Ghana and Libya. "We congratulate him on his election as the Chairman of the African Union. Ghana is particularly happy with his election because of our long standing relationship and long period of cooperation," President Mills said, as he welcomed Dr. Rafe Almadane, Special Envoy of the Libyan Leader to the Castle in Osu, Accra.

Dr. Almadane led a six-member delegation from Libya to deliver a message from the Libyan Leader to President Mills. The message centred on enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries and enhancing African unity.

President Mills assured the AU Chairman Ghana's co-operation during the term of President al-Qathafi's chairmanship, and underlined African unity and the pooling of resources together for the benefit of the people of Africa.

The President said it could not be denied that the strength of Africa laid in the unity of her people, and stressed that countries on the Continent should sing with one voice on issues that concerned them. President Mills said Ghana would ensure that it made use of the vast experience of Libya as a trailblazer in on the African Continent. Dr Almadane recalled the long standing relationship of Libya with Ghana, and eulogized Ghana's first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkurmah, for his role as grandfather of African unity. He congratulated President Mills on his election to the highest political office, and pledged Libya's commitment to her bilateral ties with Ghana.