11.08.10 Ghana Politics and Security Ghana and Iran to work closely together to develop Ghana's oil industry

Ghana Oil Field

Ghana's Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, has said that Ghana and Iran should work closely together for the benefit of Ghana's fledgling oil and gas industry. Addressing an Iranian delegation, led by Dr Sadigh Khalilian, Iran's Minister for Jihad Agriculture, Mahama said that Ghana has a lot to learn from Iran's experience in oil production and exploration.

"Considering your immense experience in both on and off-shore oil exploitation, I will suggest that we have an effective partnership that will equip Ghanaians with the technical know-how in oil production," said the Vice President.

The delegation is on a two-day visit to Ghana to discuss co-operation in a number of sectors including agriculture and education. Mahama applauded the Iranian government for its support so far, and said that he hoped that Iran would help develop Ghana's oil and gas sector.

Dr Khalilian said that the Iranian government was keen to hold more bilateral discussions for the benefit of both countries, and added that his government was ready to partner Ghana in the areas of agriculture, health, education and energy and invited both the President and the Vice President to visit Iran to conclude talks.

"We are interested in carrying out a number of collaborations with African countries and we really want Ghana to be one of our major partners," he said.

Source: Ghana Web

For more news and expert analysis about Ghana, please see Ghana Politics & Security. For more news and expert analysis about Iran, please see Iran Strategic Focus.