President John Agyekum Kufuor pledged his readiness to work with the next government of Italy to strengthen the existing ties of co-operation and friendship between the two countries.

This was contained in a letter to congratulate Mr Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister-elect of Italy on his victory at last Sunday's general election.

President Kufuor said: "I have been gratified to learn of the resounding victory at the recent polls of your Centre Right Coaltion and have much pleasure in sending you warmest congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Ghana and in my own name."

Your success at the polls is a clear manifestation of the confidence that the people of Italy place in you. I have no doubt that with your past noble experience in the administration of your country, Italy, under your government, will continue to prosper and increase its role and influence in the comity of nations