Accra, July 5, GNA - Monday, July 5, marked exactly 50 years when Ghana and China established diplomatic relations. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said in furtherance of their commitment to strengthening and deepening relations, the two countries released congratulatory messages for and on behalf of their Presidents and Foreign Ministers simultaneously in each other's capital.

The text of the congratulatory message of President Hu Jintao of China to President John Evans Atta Mills, reads" On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Ghana, I have the great pleasure to convey, on behalf of the Government and the People of China, our warm felicitation and best wishes to you and the Government and the People of the Republic of Ghana".

"50 years ago today, China and Ghana established diplomatic relations and Ghana was one of the earliest to establish diplomatic relations with New China among Sub-Saharan countries. With the care and promotion of the old and new generations of our leaders, China-Ghana friendship have endured the vicissitude of international situation and become stronger and stronger over the past five decades. Close high-level contacts has deepened political mutual trust between our two countries. Exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, culture, education and health have brought about fruitful results. We have also enjoyed understanding of and support to each other on the major issues of mutual concern".

"China and Ghana share similar historical experiences. At present, we are faced with the same major tasks of developing economy, improving the people's livelihood and maintaining stability. It is our determined policy to further promote friendly cooperation between China and Ghana, which is based on sincere mutual trust, equality and mutual benefits and oriented toward common development. At the new historic starting point, China is ready to work with the Ghanaian side for expanding pragmatic cooperation in various fields, enhancing cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts and strengthening coordination on multilateral affairs, with a view to benefiting our two countries and the two people". The message from Mr Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, China to Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration read: "On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Ghana, I have the pleasure to extend to you my warmest felicitation". "The past 50 years have witnessed steady development of China-Ghana relations. With deepening political mutual trust, expanding economic cooperation and enhancing coordination on international affairs, China-Ghana relationship is currently brimmed with vigour and vitality. China attaches great importance to the development of friendly cooperation between China and Ghana. Taking the 50th anniversary of China-Ghana diplomatic relations as a new opportunity, we are ready to work closely with the Ghanaian side for enhancement of our exchanges in various dimensions, deepening of mutually beneficial cooperation and consolidation of friendship between our two peoples, so as to bring China-Ghana relations to a new height". 5 July 10