Presidents Mahama, Ahmadinejad holds bilateral talks

His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with His Iranian Counterpart, H.E. President Ahmadinejad covering a wide range of issues bordering on political, economic, cultural and technical cooperation between both countries. The Minister for Information & Media Relations noted that the Iranian Government has offered to train undergraduates in Petroleum and Petrochemical Engineering. An agreement to collaborate in disaster management and narcotics control was also reached. Both Presidents agreed that all outstanding matters from the last session of the Ghana/Iran Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation be dispatched before the Commission�s next session. Hon. Mahama Ayariga further noted that both Presidents agreed on the need to further enhance consultations aimed at achieving world peace. H.E. John Dramani Mahama and H.E. Ahmadinejad unanimously condemned any act of terrorism anywhere in the world and urged that differences should be resolved through dialogue. Touching on the Middle East, both sides welcomed the need for continuous dialogue to bring lasting peace to the region. Also commenting on African Development, their Excellencies reaffirmed the necessity of maintaining peace and stability and pledged their continued support for the AU and ECOWAS in this regard. The Minister for Information & Media Relations indicated that at the end of bilateral discussions, the following MOUs were signed; Memorandum of Understanding on Educational Cooperation, Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture, Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism and Memorandum of Understanding on Youth and Sports. H.E. President Ahmadinejad who doubles as the current Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement discussed issues relating to the Movement with H.E. John Dramani Mahama who reaffirmed Ghana�s commitment to the principles and goals of NAM and stressed the relevance of the organization for south-south cooperation. The Iranian President visited the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park to pay His respects to the Founder of Ghana�s independence. He was accompanied by His wife and other high ranking members of His cabinet as well as leaders of some government and private organizations. He has since departed the country.