President Akufo-Addo holds bilateral talks with Theresa May

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, 20th November, 2017, held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Theresa May, MP, at 10 Downing Street.

The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the ties of co-operation between the two countries, and move the bilateral relations to a point beyond aid. The pair also discussed issues bordering on next year’s Commonwealth Summit, as preparations for the Summit intensify.

Congratulating Ghana on her 60th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister Theresa May told President Akufo-Addo that she and the people of the United Kingdom were “looking forward to building a sound relationship, and also developing historic ties with Ghana for the next 60 years.”

The British Prime Minister indicated that increasing the volumes of trade between the two countries was the key to boosting the growth, progress and prosperity of the two countries and their respective populations.

Prime Minister May noted further that next year’s Commonwealth Summit, which will be held in London, will present member states with the opportunity “to grow together”, and was pleased that President Akufo-Addo would be participating in the Summit.

She was hopeful that during her tenure of office, the United Kingdom will continue to build “on the strong relationship we have with Ghana.”

On his part, President Akufo-Addo thanked the British Prime Minister for the warm welcome afforded him and his delegation.

Despite it being “60 years since we parted company”, President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana and the United Kingdom “didn’t part company for good”.

Strong relationships between the two countries, the President, indicated, have existed, regardless of the governments of the day, and assured Prime Minister May that, under his leadership as President of Ghana, the already strong relationship will continue.

President Akufo-Addo was hopeful that his and the period of office of his British counterpart would be marked by the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their respective populations.

According to the President, Ghana was looking forward eagerly to next year’s Commonwealth Summit, which would provide the opportunity to reinvigorate the Commonwealth around its theme of “A Common Future”, and make it a dynamic instrument for the growth of the global community in the 21st Century.

President Akufo-Addo congratulated British Prime Minister Theresa May on the decision of the British government to host next year’s Summit.