The Sultan of Burnei, Haji Hassanal Bolkian, arrived in Accra Tuesday to begin a two- day visit of Ghana.

During the visit, the two countries hope to conclude discussions to provide technical assistance to support Ghana's crude oil exploration programme.

Mines and energy Minister John Abu told journalists that negotiations between the government and the Sultanate would also focus on the provision of softer terms of crude oil imports.

Discussions on the issues started when President Jerry Rawlings visited Brunei in March.

The Sultan is at the head of a 23-member delegation that includes two ministers and his two wives, Raja and Pangiran.

The visit is expected to boost relations between Ghana and the oil rich south-east Asian country.

There are high expectations among Ghanaians that Brunei, whose main exports and economic mainstay are crude oil and liquefied natural gas, would offer some relief to the Ghanaian economy, which has suffered severe macro- economic setbacks in recent times.

"I hope it will not be a mere reciprocal visit. Our economy is in difficulty and we need them to give us some hope, and not just a limousine drive," a top official of the finance ministry said.

Bolkiah and Rawlings are to hold discussions on Wednesday during which the Sultan is expected to give some details of economic relief for Ghana.