Sleiman: Foreign visits given same importance as internal issues

President of the Republic, General Michel Sleiman, and President of Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, both agreed on Lebanon and Ghana's attachment to United Nations' legislations and decisions; principles of freedom, democracy and prevailing of the law and human rights. Simultaneously, they highlighted the urgent need for initiating serious dialogue between civilizations, cultures and religions, in confrontation of certain factors that are pushing towards clashes, extremism and violence. President Sleiman praised the major role that Ghana still plays at the level of peace-keeping operations in the world; especially in its participation within the "UNIFIL" peace-keeping forces in South Lebanon. He added that the Lebanese expatriate community in Ghana is accorded special attention and care; noting that it contributes greatly to the economic and construction cycle in the country. Sleiman also highlighted the equal importance given to foreign visits as to internal matters. With regards to the parliamentary elections' issue, Sleiman stressed that it remains an internal Lebanese concern; adding that efforts are focused internally on coming-up with a modern and democratic law that fits with the "Taef Accord" and the Constitutional strategies adopted in Lebanon for decades. In turn, Mahama praised the historical, friendly ties existing between Lebanon and Ghana, and the active presence and contribution of Lebanese expatriate community in Ghana. He stressed, herein, on his country's wish to promote and strengthen said relations. He also highlighted Lebanon's pioneering role, whereby he considered that a state of prevailing peace in Lebanon becomes an added value to the world at large. Both Presidents were speaking in a joint press conference held Saturday, following their official talks at the outset of Sleiman's official visit to Ghana. It is to note that both Presidents held bilateral talks upon Sleiman's arrival in Ghana, which centered on mutual ties and ways of promoting relations to higher levels in various fields. The joint meeting then widened to include officials from both sides, which resulted in initialing an agreement of bilateral cooperation in the following fields: public health, tourism, agriculture, roads and transportation, housing and construction, banking and finance, oil and gas, light and heavy industries, trade and defense.