General News of Tuesday, 31 October 2006

Source: GNA

President departs for summits in China, South Korea

Accra Oct. 31, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor left Accra on Monday evening to attend two major summits of heads of states in China and South Korea.

He was accompanied by Joseph Kofi Adda, minister of energy and some senior government officials.

The first summit is the China Africa Heads of State Summit, which will take place from November 3 - 6 in Beijing, where the Chinese authorities will present their investment and financial support to Africa for the next five years.

About 48 African heads of state are attending the summit. Ghana has already presented its programme for financial assistance to the Chinese authorities.

In all Ghana is requesting for 1.2 billion dollars for a number of projects.

The second Summit is the first Korea Africa Summit to be hosted by the South Korean President from November 7-9.

Ghana is expected to discuss economic cooperation, trade and bilateral relations and President Kufuor is expected to meet with Ban Ki-Moon UN Secretary General designate.

The President was seen off at the Airport by the Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, ministers of state, Inspector General of Police and other Service Commanders.

The President is expected back on November 13.