Accra, August 19, GNA - Ghana and Equatorial Guinea have agreed to collaborate in the areas of oil exploration, exploitation, refining and development of infrastructure ion the petroleum sector. This was contained in a communique signed by the two countries at the end of a two-day visit to Ghana of President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.

It said the two sides discussed the importance of energy, petroleum and mines in their respective economies and agreed to cooperate in these areas.

Other areas of cooperation to be explored are in education, exchange of experiences in medium and small-sized businesses, timber industry, maritime and air transport links, the fishing industry, road construction, housing and inter-university cooperation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Akufo-Addo and the Minister of State for Missions of Equatorial Guinea, Mr Alejandro Evuna Owono, signed the communique.

The communiqu=E9 said President John Kufuor and President M'basogo called for frequent consultations between their countries with a view to strengthening their relations.

"To reinforce such consultations, the two countries agreed to open consulates in each other's capital. In this connection, the two countries have nominated consuls who will soon assume duty at their respective posts."

The communiqu=E9 said the two leaders called for the reactivation of the Ghana-Equatorial Guinea Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which has been dormant since November 2000.

They also agreed that a meeting of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation to be convened by the middle of November 2003.

The communiqu=E9 said the two leaders reviewed the situation in Africa, with particular focus on conflicts, good governance and regional economic integration and pledged their total support for all regional initiatives aimed at the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

"The two presidents stressed the need for African countries to pursue democratic processes and joint economic and industrial projects, which will galvanise the energies of the people to address poverty, disease, hunger and illiteracy."

They deplored the low level of trade and commerce between African countries and pledged to expand trade and commerce between their two countries and stressed the need for south-south cooperation to reduce dependence on developed countries.

They declared their support for and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development and called for greater coordination in the efforts at implementing its priority programmes. The Equatorial leader, who was accompanied by his wife Constancia Mange, has since flown back home. 19 Aug. 03