GHANA: German President Horst Koehler attends second Germany-Africa forum in capital Accra

German President Horst Koehler attended the second Germany-Africa forum in Ghana's capital Accra on Saturday (January 13) Heads of state from Nigeria, Liberia, and Botswana also took part in the meeting. "I thank you all that we could all come together today," Koehler told delegates. Earlier on Friday (January 12), Koehler criticised European countries for setting up trade barriers against products from Africa whilst at the same time dumping subsidised good on the world's poorest continent. A former managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Koehler has limited powers in the largely ceremonial position of German president. But he can influence the national debate at home and has not shied away from controversial topics since being named to the post in 2004 with the support of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Also speaking at the conference, President of Ghana John Kufuor said: "In many African countries this concept of being your brother's keeper is what has kept families, societies and communities together throughout the centuries. I would urge that the Forum's proceedings be conducted in this spirit which emphasizes our interdependence and our common humanity within the global society rather than our differences." The partnership is aimed at encouraging dialogue and interaction between Germany and Africa and in confronting major humanitarian challenges in Africa in particular.

ITN Source | January 14, 2007

Tags:. .since. .away. .saturday. .major. .trade