Ghana to restore diplomatic relations with Morocco.

Ghana and Morocco will restore diplomatic relations, President John Agyekum Kufuor said.

President Kufuor, who is on a four-day visit to Morocco at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, was speaking when Mr Mustafa Oukacha, Speaker of the Upper House (Senate) of Morocco called on him in his hotel at Agadir-Inezgane.

He announced that both countries have declared their intention to exchange missions with Ghana opening a mission in Rabat or Casablanca while Morocco opens its mission in Accra.

Ghana is seeking to renew its friendship with Morocco and that the two countries could work out a framework to renew the relationship on a more modern and progressive line.

President Kufuor commended the Moroccan government for evolving a system that expresses tolerance and dialogue, adding "there is a lot to learn from Morocco by African countries."

He said King Mohammed has taken a great initiative to re-open relations with many African countries and the Moroccan Parliament should support him in this aspect.

Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Ghana's Foreign Minister, said both governments pledged their commitment to uplift the image of the African continent.

He said they observed that the basic problem of Africa is how to get its leaders to be committed to respect human rights and improve the welfare of their people.

They said the way forward in Africa is co-operation and collaboration and a permanent joint commission of co-operation to be signed after the visit would be the vehicle for development in both countries.

In addition they expressed their commitment to private sector development in communications and development of basic infrastructure in order that private entrepreneurs could make contacts with their counterparts to initiate joint ventures and exchange information and technology in all sectors.

Agadir-Inezgane is a tourist resort and the world's largest sardine fishing port.