China, Ghana to deepen traditional friendship, co-op

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with his Ghanaian counterpart Hanna Tetteh in Accra, capital of Ghana, on Jan. 8, 2014. (Xinhua/Lin Xiaowei)

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Ghanaian counterpart Hannah Tetteh agreed here Wednesday to enhance the bilateral traditional friendship and discussed ways to bolster bilateral cooperation.

Wang said his visit to Ghana was aimed at encouraging the traditional friendship between the two countries, which was a valuable asset and an important advantage that the two sides must draw to further develop.

"We must do it as we can to cement the traditional friendship and pass it to future generations," he told reporters after holding talks with Tetteh.

Wang said he also discussed with Tetteh the ways to deepen the practical cooperation between China and Ghana "so that we can contribute even more to Ghana's economic and social development, so as to let the people of Ghana to benefit more from cooperation with China."

The Chinese foreign minister was in Ghana for a two-day visit at the invitation of Tetteh.

Wang said China, as a brother and partner of Ghana, has contributed within its realm of capability to Ghana's development over the years.

Tetteh, for her part, said that Ghana was looking forward to having opportunities to exchange with China on important matters of mutual concern.

"And we not only focus on the relationship between Ghana and China, but also acknowledge China's support for Africa in a multiple areas -- economy, defense, security, and science and technology, and in supporting our key objectives by helping accelerate our development within the shortest possible time," said Tetteh.

She said her meeting with Wang focused on bringing about a greater commitment to deal with challenges.

"We engage in a practical way so that we are able to enhance and build our relationship further," she said.

Wang is expected to hold talks with President John Dramani Mahama at the Flagstaff House in Accra on Thursday before leaving for Senegal, the last leg of his visit to Africa.