Accra, March 5, GNA - President Hu Jintao has on behalf of the Government and People of the People's Republic of China extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the President, Government and People o= f Ghana on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of their independence. President Hu in a release from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Accra on Friday said, over the years Ghana has made remarkable achievements in various fields in pursuit of her national development agenda; enjoyed political stability; sustainable economic development for=

many years and played a positive role in safeguarding peace in Africa. He commended Ghana for properly addressing the challenges of the international financial crisis last year and achieving positive results i= n stabilizing the economy, maintaining social stability and improving the livelihood of the people.

It said China cherished its traditional friendship with Ghana, whic= h "is currently in good momentum", adding that this year also marked the 50= th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and "China is willing, in joint effort with Ghana to vigorously put new impet= us to the China-Ghana friendship".