The governments of Ghana and Botswana on Wednesday agreed to re-activate their Joint Commission for Co operation to advance economic partnership between the two countries. The move was among a number of decisions taken during talks between President John Evans Atta Mills and Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of Botswana, at the Castle, Osu, in Accra. President Khama was in Ghana for a day’s state visit that aimed at strengthening Botswana’s ties with Ghana. After discussing a wide range of bilateral issues, both Presidents affirmed their commitment to contribute to increase trade and partnership between the two countries, which had been adjudged one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The two Presidents agreed that there was a lot their nations could do together, and believe the reactivation of the commission would create the necessary platform for a more beneficial economic co-operation. Addressing journalists after the meeting which focused on collaboration in the areas of trade, agriculture, education, democracy and health delivery, the two leaders gave the assurance not to allow geographical gaps between their nations hinder effective economic co-operation. President Mills noted that Ghana and Botswana had common development challenges, and that it was critical that they worked together to find solutions. “Our friendship should inure to the benefit of our people,” he said. Reiterating his call for more intra-Africa trade, President Mills noted that the continent had enough resources which “we should work together to explore to the benefit of our people”. President Khama, for his part, thanked Ghana for accepting to collaborate more with his country and expressed his government’s commitment to the bilateral relationship. He lauded Ghana’s economic and democratic progress, saying Botswana continues to draw lessons from Ghana. Botswana was about three years ago adjudged the fastest growing economy in Africa, and Ghana was recently adjudged the fastest growing economy in the world. Botswana, with a population of about two million, is one of Africa’s most stable countries, and the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record. It is also the world’s largest producer of diamonds which has transformed the country into a middle-income economy.