Ghana and Turkey pen five deals to boost trade ties

President John Atta Mills met with Turkey's President Abdullah Gul during Gul's official two day visit to Accra. Gul, who was accompanied by a delegation of 150 business representatives, commended Ghana for its efforts to open new doors for Africa.

He also praised the burgeoning relations between Accra and Ankara, and the collaboration between the two countries on several projects, including the joint organisation of the Turkey-Africa summit.

The two leaders discussed five agreements to enhance diplomatic and bilateral relations. The agreements, signed by sector ministers of both countries, cover Bilateral Air Services, Health and Medical Sciences, Military Training and Science, Mutual Abolition of Visas for Holders of Diplomatic Passports and an MoU for the Establishment of Consultations on Political Mechanism.

Ghana and Turkey have nurtured diplomatic relations since 1957, and have in recent years vowed to strengthen their bilateral and trade ties. Gul's two day visit, co-organised by the Turkish Exporters' Union (TIM) and Turkish Confederation of Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSKON), will revolve around business trade with the West African Nation.

On his part, Mills seconded Gul's commendation of relations and noted that Ghana is looking forward to conducting business with one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, attributing the Turkey's success to Gul. Mills added that Ghana will learn a lot from Turkey in areas of agriculture, training and industry.

The trade between Ghana and Turkey rose from $175 million in 2009 to $230 million in 2010. Both leaders expressed hope that the figure should grow even further this year.

Sources: GNA, My Joy Online, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

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