President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral and trade relations between Ghana and China, pledging to build on the long-standing partnership to advance progress not only for Ghana but for the African continent as a whole.
Speaking during bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Mahama lauded the historic friendship between the two nations, which dates back to Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and China’s Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai.
“Ghana and China share a relationship deeply rooted in history, one that has grown from mutual respect to a strategic partnership. I am committed to deepening this cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” President Mahama said.
President Mahama also commended President Xi for his commitment to advancing women’s empowerment globally. He noted that China’s leadership in this regard is crucial to accelerating the implementation of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action.
“Your personal efforts in championing issues of women are commendable,” President Mahama told President Xi. “These efforts should inspire all of us to fast-track the realization of the commitments made in Beijing three decades ago.”
Touching on global governance, President Mahama expressed concern about the growing trend of unilateralism among some nations, stressing the need for countries that believe in multilateralism to stand in solidarity.
“The spirit of multilateral cooperation must not be lost. For countries like ours that believe in collective progress, now is the time to show solidarity,” he said.
President Mahama extended his appreciation to President Xi for inviting him to participate in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. He also thanked the Chinese leader for dispatching a high-powered delegation to attend his inauguration on January 7 this year.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
