The outgoing Iranian envoy with President Akufo-Addo
The Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, Dr. Nosra Tollah Maleki, yesterday bid farewell to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
President Akufo-Addo said, “I want to congratulate you on a successful tour of duty here in Ghana. In your period, we have seen…some important steps that have further strengthened the relation between our two countries.”
“We have a very good feeling about Iran and we continue to cherish our relationship with Iran; I remember even in the first year of my office, the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, went to Tehran, Iran, to participate in the inauguration of President Rouhani when he was elected President of the country, so the high-level contact between our countries continues,” he said.
He commended the government and people of Iran for their support to Ghana in the areas of health and education (scholarships), adding “many other steps are being taken to strengthen our relationship; so we are sad to see you go.”
“Our countries continue to share many common things; we belong to international associations and organizations that have many shared values and interest between us,” he said.
“I’m happy to hear you say that government officials in this country treated you well and were helpful; that’s what they are meant to be and it’s good to hear the Ambassador saying that; they are good memories you are taking away,” the President said, adding “we will also count on you to be an Ambassador of Ghana in Iran and wherever you may be; take the opportunity to extend my warmest greetings to the President, Rouhani.”
On his part, the Iranian Ambassador, who spent four years in Ghana, described the country as wonderful, saying he witnessed development in the areas of the economy, politics, peace, security, unity, good governance and leadership.
He recalled that during Dr. Bawumia’s visit to Iran, they signed seven memoranda of understanding (MoU) with the public and private sector organizations.
Apart from that, he said the two countries set up and held six joint commissions.
He said over 100 scholarships had been given to Ghanaians and thanked the government and people of Ghana for the love shown him during his stay.
Dr. Maleki expressed hope that Ghana would have peaceful elections whilst wishing President Akufo-Addo the best of luck.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu