Spanish Foreign Minister calls on Interior Minister

Accra, Dec 06, GNA - Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos on Tuesday pledged his country's commitment to support Ghana economically and politically as well as deepen the ties between the two countries.

"We want to have a frank and open relationship with Ghana and would support the country's efforts at alleviating poverty," he said when he called on the Minister of the Interior, Papa Owusu Ankomah, in Accra. The minister, who is leading a 14-man delegation, said the visit was necessitated by President John Agyekum Kufuor's visit to Spain and the political stability that Ghana enjoys.

He commended Ghana's effort at dealing with drug trafficking and pledged his country's support.

Papa Owusu Ankomah said the country, especially his ministry, had benefited immensely from support from the government of Spain, which provided gadgets for the Police and the Immigration services. The Minister commended Spain for giving illegal immigrants the opportunity to legalise their stay in the country.

He noted that the issue of illegal Ghanaian immigrants was a source of worry to the government and it was committed to step up public education on the hazards of using illegal routes to travel abroad, including Spain.

Papa Owusu Ankomah also expressed worry about the use of the West African coast, including Ghana, for drug trafficking and asked for cooperation between their countries' police forces as well as assistance to help track drug vessels.