Accra, July 18, GNA - Defence Minister Kwame Addo-Kufuor on Monday called for co-operation between the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and Japan's Defence Force to further strengthen ties between both countries. The GAF, he noted, regarded itself as a serious development partner of the government and would be grateful if Japan could explore the possibility of co-operation between them in various fields. He suggested areas of peacekeeping, reforestation programmes and support for the Engineers Regiment of the GAF in construction of feeder roads and low cost houses.

Dr Addo-Kufuor made the call when Mr Massamichi Ishikawa, the new Japanese Ambassador in Ghana, called at his office at Burma Camp in Accra.

Mr Ishikawa replaced Mrs Kazuko Asai. Dr Addo-Kufuor noted that Ghana and Japan had a good history of co-operation, coupled with warm and healthy trade relations, dating back to 1927.

He called on the Ambassador to continue with the tireless efforts of his predecessor to improve the relations between the two countries. Mr Ishikawa said that Ghana stood at a good position to help other countries in the Sub-Region to go through their transitional democratic processes.

He described Ghana as a cohesive force for good governance and this should be made to permeate the Sub-Region.