|
Malian President on three days state visit to Ghana
Accra, April 17, Ghanadot/GNA - Malian
President Amadou Toumani Toure on Thursday arrived in Ghana
to an enthusiastic welcome for a three-day State visit.
At the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport to
officially receive him when his aircraft touched down at
1615 hours were President John Agyekum Kufuor, Vice
President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Ministers of State and members
of the Diplomatic Corps.
After exchange of pleasantries by the two leaders and the
presentation of the "Akwaaba" bouquet by nine-year old
Gloria Arkoh of the "He Cares Academy" at Lapaz in Accra,
President Kufuor escorted him to the saluting dais.
The Ghana Armed Forces Central Band then struck the national
anthems of Mali and Ghana as the traditional 21-gun salute
boomed at the background.
Thereafter, President Toure inspected a Guard of Honour
mounted by three officers and 96 men of the First Infantry
Brigade, Michel Camp, and under the Command of Captain
Alfred Martey, amidst beautiful rendition of some popular
Ghanaian highlife tunes by the Band.
The visiting Head of State was later introduced to the
welcoming party by the host President as a cultural troupe
gave him a taste of the rich Ghanaian culture by treating
him to traditional drumming and dancing.
From the Airport, President Kufuor and President Toure drove
in a convoy to the Castle, Osu, for bilateral talks.
He was accompanied by a high-powered delegation made up of
top ranking Ministers and businessmen.
President Kufuor, in brief remarks before the start of the
bilateral talks said the two West Africans countries had
related well for centuries.
"Our peoples have related and interacted in all aspects of
social life. We have traded from ancient times in livestock,
salt, kola and other items."
He also made reference to the strong bond of friendship
Ghana's First President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah struck
with his Malian counterpart Modibo Keita culminating in the
formation of the Union of Ghana-Guinea-Mali and said
although the union could not last, the sentiments remained.
President Toure said there was the need to ensure further
strengthening and consolidation of the friendship and to
deepen their bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of
their peoples.
He said he was impressed with the tremendous physical
transformation of Accra in recent times and praised
President Kufuor for his leadership.
President Kufuor, in December 2006, paid a State visit to
Mali.
GNA
|
