Ghana to deepen partnership with Spain

Accra, Dec. 6 GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor said Ghana was committed to deepening and sustaining bilateral relations with Spain. He said his Government wanted to see a more functional relationship that would bring mutual benefits to the two countries. President Kufuor said this when he granted audience to the Spanish Foreign Minister, Mr Miguel Angel Moratinos, at the Castle, Osu. It is the first time in 37 years that such a high profile Spanish Minister had visited the country.

The Foreign Minister was in the country at the head of a 14-member delegation to start a tour of some African countries including Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Niger and Mali.

The delegation would also hold discussions with the leadership of the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS). President Kufuor said he was happy that the relationship between Ghana and Spain, which, at the time he assumed office was not all that vibrant, was now seeing positive growth. He said it was partnership that was moving the world and that Ghana and for that matter Africa was determined to reach out to the rest of the world.

President Kufuor cited protocols on immigration, drugs control, tourism and fisheries development as areas where Ghana could tremendously benefit from Spanish experience. Mr Moratinos pledged the Spanish Government's political commitment to work closely with Ghana.

He said they were, therefore, in the country to engage in bilateral talks on political and economic co-operation, look at areas they could promote joint business ventures and the assistance they could provide in the control of narcotic drugs.

He praised President Kufuor for his personal involvement in the promotion of peace, stability and democracy and said this had enhanced his stature internationally.

Mr Moratinos said his country was now "looking at Africa with a new eye" adding that, his country would partner Africa to face the challenges of the century.

This, he said, would be done on the basis of mutual respect and understanding.