Kumasi, Jan. 24, GNA - Mr Ibrahim Khalil Omar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Ghana has paid a farewell call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. Mr Omar is leaving the country after 20 years, having been posted to Ghana in 1986 and became the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana in 1997.

Speaking during the call, the outgoing envoy said Ghana had the capacity to develop because the country had a lot of intellectuals and the necessary resources to grow.

He lauded the important role Manhyia was playing in support of the country's democracy and commended the Asantehene's contribution on the local and international scenes for improved lives for Ghanaians. Mr Omar said the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) and the Palestinian people were ready to promote peace but pointed out that the peace period was more difficult than when the struggle began. "We are, however, very confident that with the support of the international community, lasting peace will prevail in both Palestine and Israel".

Ambassador Omar said he enjoyed the Ghanaian hospitality during his 20 years duty tour and his three children who saw themselves more as Ghanaians had asked him to go home alone and that they would join him later.

He expressed his gratitude to the people of Ghana and all the political parties for the support they had given Palestine.

The Asantehene on his part said Palestine should exist, as a State and that should be the way forward for peace to prevail in that region. He stressed the need for Israel to co-exist with Palestine since Israel could not exist on that land without Palestine.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu expressed the hope that Ambassador Omar would be able to play a leading role to cement the bond of friendship between Manhyia Palace and the State of Palestine.