German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has pledged her country's resolve to deepen economic relations and ensure continued development support to Ghana. "Ghana is on a promising road and good example of how development assistance has made a change," she said. Addressing a joint press conference with President John Agyekum Kufuor after bilateral talks at the Chancery, Chancellor Merkel said they were going to take steps to encourage more German investments in Ghana to boost its private sector. Ghana and Germany have related very well over the decades with Germany's development support to Ghana, to-date, coming to over one billion euros. President Kufuor was in Germany for a two-day high profile state visit at the invitation of the German Government during which, he would be conferred with a state honour. Chancellor Merkel praised Ghana's consistency in economic reforms and process of benchmarking through its subscription to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and said this has made the country to become the star performer, model of democracy, good governance and transparency in the continent of Africa. "And for this, Mr President, we appreciate your leadership, you are worthy of our respect", she added. She also made reference to the progress Ghana was making towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and said she was confident of the country's success. President Kufuor conveyed Ghana's appreciation to Germany for standing by the country over the years, mentioning, among other things, cancellation of Ghana's debt of more than 200 million euros, technical and financial support in the areas of education, health, agriculture and good governance. "I want to thank you for your support." He expressed optimism that the already good relations between the two countries would continue to grow. He also had nice words for his host, the German Chancellor, who he said, had shown interest and friendship to Africa, be it, at the Group of Eight Industrialized Nations (G-8) summit, the Security Council, or at the European Union. "She comes across as a hands-on leader, focussed and principled. She is the sort of leader the world should have towards globalization." Earlier on arrival on Wednesday, President Kufuor was treated to a red carpet welcome. Ceremonies to officially receive him started with the trooping in to the Chancery Square, the nerve centre of the German political power, by smartly dressed contingents from the Air Force, Marines and Army and backed by the military bank at exactly 20 minutes after mid-day. Moments later, the German Chancellor emerged out of her office, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to the square. President Kufuor's black Benz, escorted by a motorcade then pulled up from the east end of the Chancery. As he stepped out, he was met by Chancellor Merkel and after exchanging pleasantries, he was introduced to the welcoming party. The two leaders thereafter mounted the saluting dais and the military band struck the anthems of Ghana and Germany. After inspection of the Guard of Honour, they went straight into bilateral talks. 27 Aug. 2008 Source: GNA