Accra, Dec. 13, GNA- Ghana and Togo would strengthen bilateral relations and co-operation in areas of mutual interest, following fruitful deliberations between the two countries at the just ended 3rd Session of the Ghana-Togo Permanent Joint Commission for Co-operation.

The 3rd Session of the Commission, which was held in the Togolese capital, Lome, on December 7 and December 8, brought together experts from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the two countries.

A statement signed by Mr Kingsley Karimu, Director of Africa and Regional Integration Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said the convening of the 3rd session followed discussions over the need to improve upon the existing cordial and warm relations between the two countries, which featured prominently during President John Evans Atta Mills visit to Lome in April and the reciprocal visit of President Faure Gnassingbe to Ghana in August.

Deliberations of the 3rd session centred on co-operation between the two countries in the areas of trade, economy and finance, agriculture, energy and mines, environment, water and health. Other areas of co-operation deliberated upon by the experts were social welfare, culture, communication, technical and vocational education, security, justice, tourism, sports and legal framework. The two-day session, which was characterised by open and frank discussions also agreed to reactivate the Ghana-Togo Joint Border Demarcation Commission. Consequently, the two sides agreed to convene a meeting of the Border Commission in the first quarter of next year. Addressing the Session, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Mohammad Mumuni observed that Ghana's internal peace, security and development remain inseparable from sub-regional peace and stability.

He noted that it was in the light of this that President Mills and his Togolese counterpart, underscored the need for the two countries to strengthen their bilateral co-operation during their recent exchange of official visits.

"We are all too familiar with the chronic obstacles, which have stood in the way of vibrant and smooth conduct of commercial activities between Ghana and Togo. Given the necessary goodwill and determination on both sides, these obstacles which impact negatively on economic development and integration, could be eliminated to pave the way for uninterrupted free flow of human and material traffic across our common border," Alhaji Mumuni said, stressing that, "in the era of globalization there is no better time to co-operate than now."

He expressed the hope that given the political will, vision and sense of commitment that has been demonstrated by Presidents Mills and his Togolese counterpart, the two countries in particular and the sub-region as a whole would continue to enjoy peace and security, which are fundamental prerequisites for progress and development.

"It is a matter of widespread frustration and disillusionment that 30 years after the adoption of the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Goods and Services, our people are still subjected to harrowing experiences in their attempt to move across our borders.

"In this age of globalisation, we should not continue to justify, and indeed glorify the operation of two customs posts at Aflao and Lome," the Foreign Minister said.

Alhaji Mumuni said Ghana and Togo had the capacity to effect a paradigm shift in bilateral relations by setting standards of excellence and best practices in co-operation between officials of the two countries at the border posts and on the highways.

The Togolese Foreign Minister, Mr. Koffi Esaw, pledged the commitment of his country's officials towards a genuine and beneficial bilateral relations and co-operation.

Mr. Esaw said Ghana and Togo were bonded not by only geography but by other stronger socio-cultural ties between citizens. "Ghana is Togo and Togo is Ghana and we need to live as brothers," he said.

The last time the Permanent Joint Commission met in March 1992, a number of significant decisions were taken to advance co-operation in critical sectors of the two countries. At that session, the two sides also emphasized the desire to strengthen and diversify their co-operation within the framework of sub-regional co-operation, which was considered an indispensable prerequisite for the development of African countries. During the years, however, progress in the implementation of the decisions of the Second Session has been slow in some areas and completely stalled in other sectors.

The 3rd Session thus offered an opportunity for the two countries to re-examine ways of ensuring better and fruitful co-operation between Ghana and Togo.