Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has described President John Evans Atta Mills' upcoming visit to the United States of America as a giant step in the relations between the US and Ghana. He said the US still remained a strong ally and strategic partner to Ghana, and both nations recognised the need for a mutual co-operation in advancing the interests of their peoples.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on President Mills' trip to the US, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, said the invitation extended by President and Government of the US, was a strong indication of the recognition of the US of Ghana's march for democracy.

He said the two nations share a long history of promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law and that Ghana had achieved a lot in terms of its relations with the US.

He said the President visit affirms Ghana's commitment to an open door foreign policy and that Ghana was in no way pandering to the East with its procurement of the Chinese development assistance.

Ghana, he said, would continue to welcome nations with common interests, to bring accelerated development and improve upon the lives of the people.

The Foreign Affairs Minister recalled the visits of US Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Jr and Barrack Obama in the recent past, and said the reciprocal visit of President Mills is a feather in the cap of Accra and Washington.

He said the visit would also consolidate their relations at the economic, political and economic levels.

A release from the Office of the President, signed by Mr Koku Anyidoho, Director of Communications, said the President would be accompanied by First Lady Naadu.