Accra, May 20, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday extended a warm and open hand to the Republic of Spain and three other nations as a gesture of the deepening cordial relationship that existed between those countries and Ghana.

He praised the three other nations - Turkey, the Republic of Serbia and Austria for maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Ghana, and gave the assurance that Ghana would reciprocate the good gesture of Turkey by establishing an embassy in that country.

As the rhythmic tamtams and the Asante mmeson wind instruments sounded at the Jubilee House in Accra, it was an invitation from President Mills and top Government officials, all resplendent in rich Ghanaian Kente cloths with jumper and the traditional ahennma sandals to match, to the four envoys, who presented their Letters of Credence and recall of their predecessors to the President.

The four new ambassadors accredited to Ghana are Madam Olga Cabalga Gomez from Spain, Mr Kenan Tepedelen from Turkey, Mr Rifat Rondic from the Republic of Serbia and Mr Stefan Scholz from Austria.

President Mills extended a hearty welcome to the new ambassadors and stressed the need for enhanced and deeper relations for mutual benefit and improved lives for their peoples.

The Spanish Ambassdor, who has been in Ghana for a month, said Spain considered Ghana as a privileged partner, adding that Ghana was an example of stability, prosperity and security in the sub-region. "I trust that during my stay in Ghana, the cordial relations already existing between our two countries will grow even stronger and deeper. We have a good margin for that in the field of trade and investment and in the area of technical and cultural co-operation, as well as in the field of political relations and exchange of visits," Madam Gomez said. She spoke of Spanish President Rodigues Zapatero's commitment to Africa, which had translated into the PLAN AFRICA 2009-2012, which she said has continental and regional dimensions, and invited President Mills to the Second High Level Forum which Spain was preparing, scheduled for Las Palmas by the end of the year.

Madam Gomez noted that the two nations were faced with challenges of regional integration, food security, peace and security and expressed the hope that Spain would find Ghana a reliable partner in addressing those challenges.

President Mills extended the warm wishes of the Government and people of Ghana to the Spanish President Rodiguez Zapatero and to the people of Spain and assured them of Ghana's fullest cooperation. Identifying Spain as one of the biggest benefactors of Ghana, President Mills expressed Ghana's appreciation to Spain for her sacrifices in the interest of Ghana over the years.

When Mr Tepeden from Turkey took his turn, President Mills said there had been rapid remarkable progress in the relations between Ghana and Turkey, which had culminated in Turkey establishing an embassy in Accra, adding that Ghana would reciprocate the gesture. "We'll give you our total support and commitment to promoting and enhancing the relationship with Turkey. Extend my warm regards to my brother, your President," President Mills said. The President similarly expressed gratituide to Serbia for her assistance to Ghana when Mr. Rondic who had since been based in Namibia presented his letters.

President Mills underscored strengthening the relations between the two nations for their best interests, reiterating Government's agenda to use the resources of the state to improve and ensure better lives for the people. When the Austrian Ambassador, Mr Scholz, presented his Letter, President Mills expressed the hope that the two nations would be able to enhance their ties, adding that there were a lot that the two could do for one another.

He called for Austrian investment in Ghana and the exchange of views explaining that Ghana was an open society, and the government was committed to raising the standard of living of the people to bring about a "Better Ghana".

Mr. Scholz gave the assurance that the Austrian Government was fully committed to strengthening the bilateral relations with Ghana within the context of the European Union and the international circles. 20 May 10