Ghana strengthens trade relations with Saudi

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday affirmed government�s commitment to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. President Mahama said this when the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud called on him at the flagstaff House, Kanda. The two leaders, President Mahama and Prince Alwaleed, who briefed Journalists after a closed-door meeting, said their relations was growing and pledged to open up political and economic opportunities to bring mutual benefits to the two countries. Prince Alwaleed was at the seat of government to hold discussions with President Mahama on investment opportunities and to strengthen relations between Ghana and Saudi Arabia. President Mahama said the relations between the two countries further improved when the Prince bought the Ambassador Hotel and turned it into the Movenpick Hotel. He said the Movenpick Hotel had contributed to improving Ghana's image as a centre for international events adding that "Ghana is now one of the prime destinations of international conferences". The President said government would continue to engage with the Saudi Holdings, the company owned by Prince Alwaleed, on the areas of investment that the Prince had proposed. He said Ghana valued her relations with Saudi Arabia and affirmed government's commitment to strengthen the ties in subsequent years. President Mahama said the naming of the Nima Highway after Prince Alwaleed and his installation as a Chief in Nima and Mamobi attested to his contribution to the two communities. Prince Alwaleed expressed his determination to increase his investment in Ghana and talk to other Saudi investors to come down and invest in Ghana. "I will do whatever I can to strengthen the relations," he said. Prince Alwaleed also extended an invitation to President Mahama to visit Saudi by the end of the year.