A reception to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was held by H.E. Ambassador Zhang Keyuan on September 28, 2006, which attracted more than 300 guests from the Ghanaian Government, Parliament, military, business and the press, the diplomatic corps,the Chinese enterprises and the Ghanaian-Chinese communities. The reception was graced by the presence of Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Defence, Telecommunications, and Deputy Minister of Water resources, Works and Housing, Trade, Industry, Private Sector and PSI.

             

      Addressing the reception, Ambassador Zhang expressed warm greetings and heartfelt thanks to all the distinguished guests. He observed that China won her independence from a semi-colonial, semi-feudal status 57 years ago and started her reform and opening up to the outside world in the late '70s. Over the past years, China has enjoyed overwhelming changes in both political and economic areas. Ghana also made impressive progress in various areas under the leadership of H.E. President J. A. Kufuor and was going to celebrate her 50th Anniversary of Independence next year. China was greatly delighted to see all the positive developments that have been taking place, and was ready to lend her support to Ghana.

              

      Zhang said the cordially bilateral relationship reached a milestone this year when Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao paid a successful visit to Ghana three months ago. The two leaders held talks and reached broad agreement on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. He emphasized that the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit will be held in China in November and Chinese President Hu Jintao looked forward to welcoming President Kufuor in Beijing to discuss ways to further cooperation. An Action Plan on China-Africa Cooperation would be adopted and China would also announce important steps to enhance cooperation with Africa at the Summit. Zhang pointed out this November would witness yet another milestone in bilateral as well as multilateral relations between China and African countries.

             

     When addressing the Taiwan issue, Zhang thanked Ghana for its adherence to the one China policy and support for China's great cause of peaceful national reunification.

     Hon. Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Minister for Fisheries & the leader of the Ghanaian Government Delegation, conveyed the warmest congratulations from the Government and people of Ghana, to the Government and people of People's Republic of China.

             

     Hon. Mrs. Gladys Asmah reiterated that Ghana has consistently adhered to the one China policy and looked forward to a peaceful unification of Chinese mainland and Taiwan. She expressed admiration of China's development and achievements over the years and said Ghana were indeed proud to have such close cooperation with China. She appreciated very much the tremendous assistance they have received from China in various sectors. On the forthcoming Beijing Summit, she said that Ghana attached great importance to the partnership that has been established through the Forum on China Africa Cooperation and H. E. President would lead Ghana's delegation to the Summit in Beijing in November.