Statement by H.E. The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana,

Mr. John Dramani Mahama

at the Opening Session of the 4th Ministerial Conference

of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

(Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, 8th November 2009)

 

Your Excellency Mr. Wen Jiabao, Premier of the People's Republic of China;

Brother Muammar Gaddafi, Chairperson of the African Union;

Excellencies Heads of States and Government of the FOCAC Family;

Excellencies Ministers of State;

Your Excellency Mr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission;

Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Distinguished Delegates;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

At the very onset, permit me to convey to Your Excellencies fraternal greetings and best wishes from His Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills who could not join you due to some urgent matters of state which require his personal attention.

President John Evans Atta Mills has requested me to assure Your Excellencies of his belief in and commitment to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Permit me to also commend our hosts, the Government and People of the Arab Republic of Egypt for the broad courtesies and generous hospitality which have been extended to my delegation in this serene city of Sharm El Sheik. The elaborate arrangements, as well as the facilities which have been placed at our disposal, deserves special mention and commendation.

Excellencies,

Since its inception in the year 2000, the FOCAC has provided a veritable channel for the incremental enhancement of Sino-African relations. The architects of this strategic partnership were motivated by the lessons of history, the realities of today and the legitimate aspirations of the millions of people in China and Africa.

In spite of the difficulties that have characterized the global economic and financial environment, China and Africa have shared the virtues parnership and are well-placed to deepen this new strategic engagement for sustainable development, the theme for this year's ministerial conference. It is our belief that the Plan of Action which will emanate from the 4th Confrerence will expand the horizon of China-Africa cooperation.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

FOCAC has become an important platform of collective dialogue and an effective mechanism of practical cooperation between China and Africa. At the bilateral level, China's post FOCAC intervention in Ghana's socio-economic development has been remarkable and visible. Many more Ghanaian enterpreneurs, business people and students have made China their preferred destination.

At the multilateral level, China's role in promoting regional integration in Africa is evident through the development of infrastructure, energy, communication and naintenance of peace and security. We are confident that working with the African Union Commission, China would continue to support the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in the area of infrastructure development.

Excellencies,

Before I end my statement, I wish, on behalf of the government and people of Ghana to thank the Government of China for their offer to construct a new Headquarters Complex for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to replace the offices which were destroyed by a massive fire outbreak on Wednesday, 21st October 2009. The Headquarters was severely damaged, and valuable historical records destroyed. We are in the process of relocating the head Ministry and rebuilding its records. Any support from the international community, akin to the support extended by our chinese friends would be appreciated.