Mills suggests exploration of further co-operation for developing

nations

Accra, May 19, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday called on developing countries to explore ways of collaboration and partnership other than South-South co-operation in the face of the global economic downturn.

He underscored the need for stronger alliances with friendly nations and the forging of closer ties as the world economy struggles to get itself out of the present financial crunch. The term South-South co-operation is historically used by policymakers and academics to describe the exchange of resources, technology and knowledge between developing countries, also known as countries of the Global South.

President Mills made the call when Mr Valliollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, who had been on a duty tour since January 2005, paid a courtesy call on him the Castle. President Mills expressed appreciation for the work done by the Ambassador to improve on the relations between the two countries and the positive achievements so far made. "I wish I could make you a citizen of Ghana, so that you can become a second Ambassador of Ghana to Iran," President Mills said on a lighter side, and presented an asesedwa, a Ghanaian traditional stool, to Mr Nasrabadi, as memento of his stay in Ghana. With a word of congratulation to the President on his assumption to highest political office, Mr Nasrabadi commended the cordial relations between the two countries.

He scored high marks for Ghana's democratic development saying her peaceful conduct of the last two elections and the successful transfer of power from one political party and another was an indication of the seriousness of rule of law in Ghana. That, he said, was a shining example that was worthy of emulation by other countries.

He said Iran would continue to work with Ghana in the areas of health and education, and renewed an invitation from the Iranian Government to President Mills pay a visit to his country. In a chat with journalists, Mr Nasrabadi described Ghana as good investment destination, with good tourism attractions, mineral deposits and well developed traditional culture and craft similar to those of Iran.

"Ghana is very peaceful and stable, a good place for investment and business," Mr Nasrabadi said.