German President Horst Kohler has given assurance of his country’s determination to work in closer partnership with Ghana to build on the economic reform and political stability, which have laid a solid foundation for the country’s growth. “Be assured that Germany will stand at your side as a partner”, he said, when responding to a toast at a State reception held for him at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Thursday night. President Kohler accompanied by the wife, Eva and a 170-member delegation made up of Government officials and businessmen, is in the country for a four-day official visit. Germany within the framework of technical and economic cooperation with Ghana has provided development support of about 902 million euros to the country since independence. In addition, it also cancelled a 275 million euro debt owed her by Ghana. He said the experience learnt in Germany was that democracy thrived if it was anchored by a successful economic performance. It was against this background that Ghana should be encouraged to continue along the path of reform. President Kohler, who lauded the country’s six per cent growth rate, noted that the fight against poverty could become sustainable only through economic improvement. He said he was, therefore, impressed with the country’s improved record on the “Development Index” and the World Bank’s Study that placed her among the top 10 countries in the world. The German Head of State observed that there was now a wind of change blowing in Africa, citing, the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) initiative, the Peer Review Mechanism and the increasing role of African Political leaders in conflict resolution. President Kohler said with his country’s assumption of the Presidency of both the European Union (EU) and Group of Eight Industrialised Nations (G8), development issues of the Continent would be made a priority agenda. He said he had no doubt that developmental challenges of the region could be tackled if the EU and Africa worked together. “We would do our best as far as Africa is concerned, he said. President John Agyekum Kufuor acknowledged significant contributions countries like Germany had made to Ghana’s success in the revival of her economy. He said savings from the cancellation of the country’s debts had been deployed in providing social infrastructure and services in schools and hospitals and also for the introduction of fee-free education; free meals and free transportation to school children. President Kufuor said Ghana was determined to create conditions that would make the country an attractive destination for German and other foreign direct investors. The recent conclusion of an agreement between the two countries on the Avoidance of Double Taxation was just one of the measures taken. President Kufuor said it was Ghana’s expectation that Germany’s Presidency of the EU and G8 would see closer cooperation between the two countries to help to realise the outstanding commitments made by the industrialised countries within the framework of NEPAD, the Africa-Europe Dialogue and the G8 Africa Plan, towards the promotion of peace, security and the overall development of the Continent. Source: GNA