Vice President Amissah-Arthur to attend Zenawi's funeral

Accra, Sept. 01, GNA – Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur on Saturday left Ghana for Addis Ababa, to attend the funeral of late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia.

The visit is his first official assignment outside Ghana since he became Vice President.

Briefing the media before his departure at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Mr. Chris Kpodo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, said the Vice President would join other world leaders to mourn the late Ethiopian Prime Minister.

Mr Kpodo said the Vice President would use the occasion to strengthen bilateral relations between Ghana and Ethiopia as well as other countries to be represented at the funeral.

“This is his first official visit outside Ghana and he would use the opportunity to get to know other world leaders and establish contacts with them,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Vice President delegation included Mr. Kpodo, Mrs. Helen Annan, vice presidential aid, and other officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur was seen off by Madam Dzifa Attivor, Deputy Minister of Transport, personnel of the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Airforce and officials of the Foreign Ministry.

The Vice President is expected back in Ghana on Monday, September 3, 2012.

GNA