Africa is determined to fight Poverty - President Kufuor

Accra, April 11, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday said Africa was determined to fight poverty and underdevelopment to become part of globalisation process.

He said such determination required partners like Brazil to facilitate the desired results.

President Kufuor made the remarks when welcoming Brazilian President Liuz Inacio Lula Da Silva, who is on a two-day State visit to Ghana, as part of his tour to five West African nations to the Castle, Osu.

President Kufuor called on President Da Silva to use his visit to explore all possibilities to hasten the socio-economic development of Ghana to achieve a dignified status in the global village. He said the historical relationship between Ghana and Brazil had been in existence for the past 200 years and President Da Silva was well known for his assistance to the poor and the physically challenged in society.

President Da Silva said since assumption of office in January 2003, it had been the priority and commitment of his Government to restore the presence of Brazil on the African Continent.

He therefore called on Leaders on the African Continent and South America to be bold in their determination to strengthen democracy, peace and generate wealth for their people.

President Da Silva said Brazil wanted to a partner and part of the process that required strong alliance, a relationship of trust and above all sound relationship needed by the people.

The two Presidents later held discussions behind closed doors while other officials of the two countries engaged in bilateral talks. Ghana's delegation was led by Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Private Sector Development and the President's Special Initiatives while the Brazilian delegation was led by Mr Pedro Moto Pinto Coelho, Head of the Department of African- Brazilian Foreign Office.

In another development the two countries had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Political Consultations and Bilateral Air Service Agreement.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs signed for Ghana and the Brazilian Ambassador in Ghana, Mr Celso Amorm signed for his country. 12 April 05