Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago reinforce relations

Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - Ghana and the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago on Monday renewed their commitment towards greater co-operation for the mutual benefit of their peoples. President John Agyekum Kufuor and President George Maxwell Richards, in opening remarks before going into closed-door bilateral talks at the Credentials Hall of the Castle, Osu, acknowledged their shared history to common ancestry. President Richards arrived in Accra on Sunday night for a five-day state visit to help to reinforce the friendly ties between his country and Ghana.

This comes barely two months after President Kufuor's participation in this year's Emancipation Day celebration in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

President Kufuor noted with satisfaction the increased level of contact and co-operation between Ghana and the Caribbean state. Recently, Ghana's Minister of Energy travelled to Trinidad and Tobago, which has been in the oil production business for more than 100 years, to study how it has been managing its oil resources. President Richards said he hoped their discussions would further enhance the Economic, Scientific and Technological Co-operation Agreement between them.

He expressed their desire to enter into Air Services Agreement with Ghana as well as the ratification of a cultural agreement to promote regular cultural exchanges. He said his country had great admiration for Ghana and that this was engendered by its role in the independence struggle. As a former British colony, he said, Ghana's independence in 1957 provided them with deep inspiration. "Your political evolution had positive impact on our own political evolution."

He praised President Kufuor for the country's political stability and good economic policies that had transformed Ghana into one of the best performing economies in Africa. President Richards earlier on arrival at the Castle was treated to a red carpet reception. A military Guard of Honour comprising three officers and 96 men of the Ghana Air Force was mounted, amidst firing of the traditional 21-gun salute. Meanwhile, President Kufuor has granted audience to the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa, Mr Said Djinnit, at the Castle, Osu. Mr Djinnit, who described Ghana as a shining example for the region, pledged the world body's continued co-operation with the country. President Kufuor gave the assurance that the country would work with him in the performance of his duties.