New York, Sept. 25, GNA - China on Monday announced an additional 4.5 million-dollar interest-free loan to Ghana to support the country's development.

This followed talks between President John Agyekum Kufuor and Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Yang Jiechi, on the sidelines of the 62nd Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

China is already providing assistance to Ghana in sectors that include energy, education, roads and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Mr Akwasi Osei-Adjei, the Foreign Minister, told a press briefing that President Kufuor and Mr Yang reviewed relations between the two countries and pledged to deepen their cooperation for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

As a result, the Chinese Airline is to begin operating direct flights between China and Ghana. Additionally, China would establish a Language and Culture Department at the University of Ghana. He said the Mr Yang also conveyed the desire of Chinese President Hu Jintao to visit Ghana before the end of the year.

President Kufuor, earlier met separately with the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr Jose Socrates and Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Mr Osei-Adjei said President Kufuor's discussions with the Portuguese Premier centred on ways to further strengthen relations between Africa and Europe.

Europe and Africa would hold a summit in Lisbon, Portugal, in November to chart a new development assistance course for Africa. A ministerial meeting to draw an agenda for the summit would come off in Accra in October.

The Foreign Minister said President Kufuor and his Nigerian counterpart deliberated on sub-regional issues such as the promotion of trade and security.

They also discussed the proliferation of small firearms and how to effectively control it. 7