Ghana and Burkina Faso have resolved to integrate their economies in areas like transport and communication, agriculture, trade, energy and investment.

In this respect, they have decided to intensify consultations at various levels in order to facilitate the process. The decision follows deliberations held between President J. A. Kufuor and his Burkinabe counterpart, Blaise Compaore Ougadougou on Monday. President Kufuor's two-day visit, which ended yesterday, was within the scope of the permanent consultation between the two countries.

The two Presidents conducted a review of bilateral relations between their countries and had an exchange of views on the African and international situations. The agreed that issues pertaining to the integration of their economics be examined by their joint commission which is expected to meet in Ouagadougou in April. Both Presidents have, meanwhile, pledged their commitment to work for good governance, the promotion of democratic ideals and human rights issues. On the international scene, they both called on the international community to help resolve crucial problems facing Africa and to take into consideration the specificity of Africa problems.

Beyond their recommendations, the visit by President Kufuor also demonstrated the commitment of the two countries to provide the right frame work for more interactions. President Kufuor stressed that providence has made the two countries neighbours, hence the need for them to evolve programmes that would continue to bind them together. He described the relations between the two countries as a special one which need to be strengthened in order to constitute the heart of Ecowas. The stated that regional integrations is beneficial to the sub-region and Ghana would continue to promote this ideal. President Kufuor also served a reminder that Africa need peace, stability and development and urged all African countries to work towards that.

The President, who was hosted to a dinner by his Burkinabe counterpart, used the occasion as well to call for a united front for Africa in its deliberations with the outside world. He expressed the hope that the coming years will withness the dream of a United States of Africa. President Compaore, on his part, expressed the will support Africa's aspiration for peace, sustainable growth and prosperity. President Kufuor, who returned home yesterday also granted audience to the Burkinabe Prime Minister, MrErnest Paramongo Yonli and the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Melegue Maurice Traore.