Foreign Affairs Minister receives Lebanese and Italian Ambassadors

The Lebanon and Italy Ambassadors to Ghana have called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

Hon. Botchwey who received open letters from the Ambassador-Designate of the Lebanese Republic, His Excellency Maher Kheir, recalled that Ghana and Lebanon had had long-standing relations.

She added that there is a large number of Lebanese nationals who have lived in Ghana for many years and have well integrated into the Ghanaian society.

She indicated that over the years the two countries have cooperated for their mutual benefit.

She intimated that Ghana’s Armed Forces has for several years contributed to peacekeeping in Lebanon.

Botchwey called for stronger economic cooperation and increased in high profile visits between the two countries.

She also assured the Ambassador- Designate of the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration during his tenure.

His Excellency Maher Kheir, on his part, recalled the long-standing relations between the two countries which dates back to many decades and indicated that most Lebanese nationals see Ghana as their second homeland.

He assured that Lebanese living in Ghana are prepared to contribute towards the country’s development.

H.E Kheir acknowledged that Ghana had helped Lebanon in several ways, notably, in contributing to peacekeeping in Lebanon.

He pledged to continue from where his predecessor left off to further deepen the bilateral relations between Ghana and Lebanon.

Italian Ambassador’s courtesy call

The main purpose of the visit was to inform the Minister about the upcoming Second Edition of the Italy-Africa Ministerial Conference to be held in Italy on October 25, 2018.

Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey called for closer ties in deepening the long-standing relations between Ghana and Italy, for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Ghana, His Excellency Giovanni Favilli indicated that his country’s bilateral relations with Ghana have been growing from strength to strength.

He added that Italian companies have played a key role in Ghana’s development and disclosed that there is a significant number of Ghanaians currently living in Italy who contribute towards the development of both Italy and Ghana.

Speaking on the upcoming Second Edition of the Italy-Africa Ministerial Conference, which will be organized by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Giovanni Favilli said the Conference is a sign of Italy’s commitment towards Africa.

He intimated that it would focus on economic growth, peace and security and human development.

He added that bilateral meetings would be held on the sidelines of the Conference to give a further boost to relations between Italy and African Countries.

“An exhibition of contemporary Africa will also be mounted during the conference,” he said.

 

Source: citifmonline.com