Accra, Feb. 17, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Tuesday stressed the need for African countries to deepen the relationships with each other to further the ideals and goals of the African Union (AU). Receiving a special message from Angolan President Eduardo Dos Santos at the Castle, Osu, President Kufuor said: "Angola is a great nation in a strategic position in Africa.

"In the era of the AU it is better for countries to deepen relationships with each other for the mutual benefits of their governments and peoples", he said.

Mr Georges Chicoti, Vice Minister for External Relations of Angola, who delivered the message, said it was to brief President Kufuor on developments in Angola.

He said Ghana played a major role in the Angolan struggle for independence and there had been strong historical relationship between the two countries.

Mr Chicoti commended President Kufuor for the role he had been playing in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to maintain peace and stability, adding: "You are one of the bright sons of Africa and ECOWAS to maintain peace and stability."