President John Agyekum Kufuor on Monday received a special envoy from Japan who called at the State House with a goodwill message of co-operation between Ghana and the Asian country.

Mr Kazuyoushi Urabe, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary, said Prime Minister Youshiro Mori is eager to co-operate with government through development assistance and also support Ghana's role in resolving conflicts in Africa.

The envoy expressed Tokyo's appreciation of Ghana's concern over the years to see peace return to most parts of the continent. "We recognise that without peace there can be no stability and development," Mr Urabe told President Kufuor and top officials including Vice President Aliu Mahama.

Mr Urabe referred to Prime Minister Mori's recent trip to Africa and said it was a true commitment to the continent and created the opportunity for him to outline his plan for the people. He spoke about Mr Mori's proposal for a conference of Asian-African eminent persons to discuss crucial issues bordering on peace.

President Kufuor expressed appreciation to Japan, one of the largest donors to Ghana, for listing the country among her six priority states. He said he views Japan's effort to help Africa develop as good news for humanity.