Accra, Oct. 29, GNA - Government on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Islamic Republic of Iran in the area of Science, Technology and Research as part of its bilateral relations with Ghana.

The MOU, signed in Accra, seeks to make direct and positive impact at improving the living standards of citizens of the two countries. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, who signed on behalf of Ghana, commended Iran for its commitment to the transformation agenda of the African continent and the growth of existing warm relations between Ghana and Iran. He said over the years the country had benefited from the sustained support of the Iranian Government which had contributed positively to the socio- economic development of the country.

"This contribution is amply demonstrated by the provision of health, technical and educational facilities such as the Iran Clinic, Islamic University, scholarships and grants to Ghanaian students to undertake various courses in Iran," Alhaji Mumuni added. He recounted that earlier this year, five MOUs were signed in areas including cultural agreement, youth, and bilateral investment. The Minister noted that those developments were for the improvement in the relations since a well coordinated implementation of the agreed commitment would deepen bilateral, political and economic relations. He observed with keen interest the rapid transformation of the Iranian economy and the solid credentials it had achieved as a major player in the oil and gas industry of the world.

He also invited Iranian businessmen in the industry to provide support in that regard for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Mr Mottaki Manouchehr, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressed the wish that the current economic relations of the two countries would continue to grow and affect the political level. He said with the availability of technological advancement, many factories would be able to facilitate their operations more easily. He announced his country's readiness to help Ghana to implement the MOU which would also benefit the two countries.