President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has indicated that Ghana would build strong diplomatic and economic relations with Qatar and other countries of the Gulf to draw investments for development.

He said this during a courtesy call on him by Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, an adviser to the Emir of Qatar at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

He stated that “Ghana is open for business. We are trying to create a climate that will allow investors and investments into our country to feel secure to feel secure, not only in terms of the standard issues of appropriations, but to feel secure to operate in a stable environment.”

He told Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari of the many investment opportunities available for Qatari businesses in Ghana, which include participation in the country’s significant oil and gas resources, the development of the country’s infrastructure, the building of the nation’s railways, amongst others.

The building of formal, diplomatic relations between the two countries, President Akufo-Addo noted, will ensure the realisation and development of these opportunities.

On his part, Dr. Al Kuwari was grateful for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation by President Akufo-Addo.

He indicated that the purpose of his visit was to “bridge the relations between the two countries”, as there exists tremendous opportunities and areas of co-operation for the two countries.

The Qatari envoy noted that he was aware “of the size of the co-operation that could exist between the two countries. So, we need to work together to explore the possibilities in all the fields you mentioned. The political will is there, and I promise you that my visit is an important step for the relations between our two countries.”

Dr. Al Kuwari, on behalf of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, extended an invitation for a visit to Qatar by a delegation from Ghana, to hold bilateral discussions aimed at establishing and strengthening ties between the two countries.

He also used the opportunity of his visit to elicit Ghana’s support for his candidature for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).