General News of Monday, 9 July 2007
Source: GNA
Italian President calls on Parliament
Accra, July 9, GNA - His Excellency, Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Republic of Italy, on Monday said the European Union (EU) had a role to play in ensuring the unity and integration of Africa. He has, therefore, called for greater cooperation between the EU and the African Union, saying the EU has to make some financial commitment to enable Africa move towards unity.
Mr Napolitano said these when he paid a courtesy call on Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes, the Speaker, and a section of Members of the Parliament.
The Italian President, on a state visit to Ghana, said he had been an MP before, both in Italy and the European Union, adding that parliament should be a place where all political forces could meet, dialogue and listen to each other.
He said it should be possible for the parliament of Ghana and Italy to form a friendship association to exchange ideas. Touching on relations between the two countries, he said Ghanaian immigrants in Italy were doing well and contributing to Italy's economy, and extended a welcome to them in Italy.
Mr Sekyi Hughes, in his response, said it was significant that the Italian President had used his visit, to interact with the representatives of the people by visiting the Ghanaian Parliament. "It shows his belief in parliamentary democracy and Ghana's young democracy," he said.
He said Ghana had, over the years, benefited from Italian assistance in various fields, including technical support and the cancellation of debts running into millions of dollars under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries initiative, which has benefited Ghana tremendously.
The Speaker said a number of African parliaments, including Ghana, had also benefited from Italy under an information communication technology package, which has facilitated the work of legislatures across the continent.
He proposed the established of an association between Ghana and Italy's Parliament.
Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, the President of Italy has completed a three day visit to Ghana.

During his visit, he met President John Kufuor at the Osu Castle. They highlighted the bonds between Ghana and Italy and past cooperation such as the building of the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam and AGIP's involvement in Ghana's petroleum business.

Napolitano also visited the Parliament of Ghana, where he paid a courtesy call on the Speaker, Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes. Napolitano said the European Union had a role to play in the integration of Africa. Sekyi-Hughes was pleased that the Italian president had shown confidence in Ghana's parliament and its young democracy.

Later, he visited the Kwame Nkrumah  mausoleum in Accra and inspected work on the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium where Italian workers are engaged in construction work to prepare the stadium for the 2008 African Cup of Nations tournament.

The next day, he visited the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre near Accra. Ghana and Italy affirmed their commitment to the training of civilian personnel attached to various peacekeeping missions. While there, he said "Italy appreciates the level of troop contribution to and for works done by Ghana's contingents to peacekeeping operations worldwide". He continued, "We are pleased with your sense of mission and the high level of professionalism being exhibited by your troops on peace missions, and we would continue to support you in your role".

He was the guest of honour at a state banquet held before his departure.