Accra, April 2, GNA - Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister Muhammad Mumuni on Thursday assured the Diplomatic Corps that the tenets of Ghana's Foreign policy would remain largely the same. He emphasised that promoting and enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation would continue to be key pillars in the country's foreign policy.

Speaking in Accra during an interaction with the Diplomatic Corps, Alhaji Mumuni noted that government was committed to providing an attractive and conducive environment for the smooth functioning of all diplomatic missions and consulates.

He touched on the smooth transition of power from one government to another, the vitality of civil society, a vibrant media coupled with the increasing effective performance of the institutions of state and said these contributed in advancing the cause of good governance. The Minister noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration believed in good neighbourliness and would continue to place high premium on relations with ECOWAS and African states while furthering the desire to promote friendly relations with all other countries, especially development partners.

"What we refer to as economic diplomacy will continue to occupy a pre-eminent place in Ghana's foreign policy. It requires us to pay greater attention to the promotion of trade, investment and tourism. It also requires us to facilitate investment flows into Ghana particularly towards key sectors such as energy, agriculture and agro-processing, ICT, infrastructural development and the hospitality industry." The pursuit of multilateral cooperation, Alhaji Mumuni said, was no less important for Ghana as a responsible member of the international community adding that Ghana by her membership had the opportunity to influence global decision that affected her interests as well as those of West Africa, Africa and the developing world. Alhaji Mumuni said the pursuit of peace and security would continue to be given high priority in the conduct of Ghana's foreign policy as they were essential for growth and prosperity and noted that it was his conviction that Ghana's internal peace, security and development remained inseparable from that of the sub-region. He expressed his appreciation to the diplomats for their tireless efforts to foster closer cooperation between Ghana and their countries and organizations they represented. Mr Jean-Pierre Gbikpli-Benissan, the Togolese Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, congratulated the Minister and wished him well in his tenure of office. He assured him of their readiness to cooperate with him for stronger relationship between their respective countries and organisations adding that they were also committed to peace and stability in the region.