Jiang praised the bilateral ties, saying Ghana was one of the first African countries to forge diplomatic ties with China and President Kufuor valued ties with China and advocated expanding and strengthening cooperation.

Jiang said that China had always advocated respect for state sovereignty and development of relations on the basis of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs.

China had provided economic assistance to Ghana for years and such assistance aimed to develop friendship in fundamental interests of the two peoples, he said.

Jiang also thanked Ghana for its adherence to the one-China policy.

The Chinese government attached great importance to economic cooperation with Ghana and considered trade links a driving force of bilateral ties.

The Chinese government would promote economic cooperation with Ghana in line with equality, mutual benefit and common development, he said.

Kufuor said that Ghana fully understood the influence of China on the world and his visit aimed to demonstrate the determination and stance of the Ghanaian government on deepening friendship and expanding cooperation.

He also thanked China for its assistance to Ghana and exemption of debts, saying that the assistance was beneficial to his country.

Kufuor vowed to make more efforts to develop governmental and non-governmental relations.

The two countries signed four documents, including an agreement to provide loans to Ghana.

Kufuor is visiting China as guest of Jiang.

(Xinhua News Agency November 2, 2002)