Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin and Ghanaian Parliament Speaker Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes agreed in Accra Thursday to raise bilateral relations to a new level.

 

During their talks, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),China's top political advisory body, and Hughes spoke highly of the sound growth of bilateral ties.

 

They agreed to better implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries and the achievements made during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC).

 

Jia, who arrived here Wednesday on an official good-will visit, said Sino-Ghanaian relations have stood the test of time and scored substantial development since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 47 years ago.

 

The Chinese side appreciates the Ghanaian side's adherence to the one-China policy and will strengthen dialogues and consultations with Ghana, said Jia.

 

He said to implement the FCAC Beijing Summit results and promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation is an important part of this visit, and the Chinese side will continue to provide Ghana with assistance within its capability so as to obtain greater progress in promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields.

 

Briefing Hughes on the CPPCC, Jia said he hoped the CPPCC National Committee and the Ghanaian parliament will enhance exchanges at various levels in a bid to make new contributions to the overall development of bilateral ties.

 

Hughes said the Ghanaian side will work with the Chinese side to better implement the FCAC Beijing Summit achievements and push forward bilateral friendship and cooperation.

 

The Ghanaian parliament will keep high-level contacts with the CPPCC National Committee and support exchanges and cooperation between related institutions of the two sides, said Hughes.

 

Ghana is the second leg of Jia's visit to four African countries, which has already taken him to Tunisia and will also take him to Zimbabwe and Kenya.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2007)