Security High On Agenda

President John Atta Mills and his Ivorian counterpart, Laurent Gbagbo, will today discuss a number of protocols designed to find more appropriate ways to boost existing bilateral relations bordering on the promotion of peace and security along the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire border.

As part of the Ivorian President’s two-day visit to the country, the two countries will also discuss the need and modalities for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in Cote d’Ivoire.

President Gbagbo arrived in Accra yesterday to begin the two-day official visit intended to explore new areas of economic co-operation between the two countries.

President Gbagbo was met by President Mills, high-ranking government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps when the presidential jet carrying him touched down at the Kotoka International Airport at exactly 11.30 a.m.

Also at the airport to welcome President Gbagbo were flag-waving Ivorian nationals resident in Ghana who danced to tunes of their country.

President Mills then accompanied his Ivorian guest to the dais mounted in front of the Jubilee Lounge at the airport, after which the Ghana Armed Forces Band played the national anthems of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

The Ivorian President then inspected a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Ghana Armed Forces, after which he was greeted with a 21-gun salute in respect of his visit, which is at the invitation of the government of Ghana.

President Mills introduced the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, other government functionaries, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, to President Gbagbo, before accompanying him to the Jubilee Lounge.

The President welcomed President Gbagbo to the country, describing him as a worthy brother who was committed to taking relations between the two countries to another level which would be to the benefit of their peoples.

He asked the Ivorian President to consider Ghana as his second home, since the two countries shared common challenges and aspirations.

Replying, President Gbagbo thanked his Ghanaian host for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation. He said Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana had comparative advantage in several areas of economic development, adding that they could forge strong links to secure better prices for their products on the international market.