Takoradi July 19,GNA - Twelve students and their teachers from selected Secondary Schools in Plymouth in the United Kingdom have arrived in Takoradi for a two-week cultural exchange programme.

The programme forms part of the Sister City Relations between Plymouth and Sekondi-Takoradi established two years ago. A durbar, was organised to welcome the Plymouth delegation at Takoradi on Tuesday.

Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, in an address read for him, said Ghana's Missions abroad are promoting economic diplomacy in line with the vision of the President.

He said Sekondi-Takoradi stands to gain immensely from the Sister City relations with Plymouth.

Mr Aidoo commended Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana High Commission in London for initiating the link between the two cities. He also praised the work of committees in both cities for fostering the link.

Mr. Nii Nikoi Amasa, Local Chairman of the Sekondi-Takoradi - Plymouth Link, said the aims of the relations between the two cities are to share ideas, information, cultures and experience for the mutual benefits of the ordinary people in both cities.

He said in the past 18 months, 12 Secondary and Primary Schools in the Metropolis have been linked with their counterparts in Plymouth. Mr Amasa said a grounds manager has been trained by Plymouth City for the new stadium in Sekondi-Takoradi for the CAN 2008. He said Sekondi-Takoradi is benefiting from technical support from Plymouth City Council to develop an eco-tourism enclave for poverty reduction.

Mr. Amasa said in September this year, a team of doctors and nurses would arrive from Plymouth to perform free hernia operations. An artificial lump-fitting centre would also be established at the Supormu- Dunkwa clinic.