China/Ghana relations to grow in next millenniuim

Accra (Greater Accra) 28 Jan. '99

Accra (Greater Accra) 28 Jan. '99 The visiting Chinese Vice President, Mr Jinato Hu, today expressed confidence that the relationship between Ghana and China will have a splendid future in the next millennium. He therefore pledged direct co-operation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, science, health, trade and commerce to boost closer ties. Mr Hu who is leading a 30-member delegation to Ghana, said this during a courtesy call on the Speaker, Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, at Parliament house. Mr Hu is on a three-day official visit to Ghana. This is the first time Parliament is hosting such high powered delegation from China. The visiting vice-president who said he was happy with the level of co-operation between the two countries said his visit was to further enhance mutual understanding, develop friendship and expand co- operation. ''I am pleased to learn that despite divergent views on domestic politics, the two sides of the house see eye to eye on the need to strengthen co-operation between our countries''. He promised to extend to the Chinese government Parliament's special appeal for assistance to complete the Tower Block of Parliament. Mr Justice Annan, noted that a strong parliament is important for every democratic government and Ghana's political stability is due, to a large measure, on the development of parliamentary practice in the last six years. H e said though Ghana's democracy is very young, Ghanaians have established a strong foundation for parliamentary practice, a parliament which is also ready to play its role in supporting socio-economic development of Ghana. He said it was in this light that the appeal for assistance to complete the Tower Block of the State House to be used as offices for MP's, libraries and Research Department has been made. The project is being undertaken by a Chinese construction firm. Mr Justice Annan noted that visits by high powered delegation to Ghana is a testimony to the growing historic and fruitful relations between the two countries. Ghana has a lot to learn from China especially in the integration of traditional and orthodox medicine, he said and supported the call for closer co-operation between the two countries. He expressed Ghana's appreciation to China for her assistance in various fields particularly in construction, agriculture, commerce and trade and called for more direct co-operation in those fields.