The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, says he considers the Republic of Ghana a partner of choice in West Africa for economic development, cooperation and growth.

The Prime Minister made the assertion when he held bilateral talks with President Akufo-Addo, as part of his visit to Ghana at the Jubilee House on Thursday, 28 November 2019.

"I consider Ghana a partner of choice in West Africa and I can say that our two countries are linked by common values, the respect of principles, sustainable economic development, economic cooperation and free trade", the Italian Prime Minister said.

The Italian Prime Minister further noted that he considers Ghana a model of democracy and economic growth.

"Economic growth of about 8% thereabout is a very wonderful and fantastic performance", Prime Minister Conte noted.

President Akufo-Addo, when he took his turn to address the visiting Prime Minister, said Ghana and Italy have very good relations and it is evident in the fact that many Italian companies and Italian people have been very much part of the fabric of Ghana in a very positive manner.

"We value very much our relationship with Italy and we are looking for opportunities to expand that relationship. We are hoping that your visit here in Ghana will offer us that opportunity to do so" Nana Akufo-Addo said.

Nana Akufo-Addo in his remarks indicated that Ghana and for that matter West Africa is very much in need of security cooperation with her European partners to wage a war against terrorism in the West African sub-region.

"We also now very committed to enhancing our security cooperation with Italy. I think this is an area that profitably Ghana can benefit" Mr Akufo-Addo said.

"As you know today West Africa faces all kinds of very very important security challenges". "For the time being we are not part of what is going on and we want to keep it like that, but even better, we want to live in a West Africa where the terrorists and those interested in violent extremism will be moved out of the area completely" Nana Akufo-Addo added.

After the meeting, Ghana and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation. Ghana's Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul signed on behalf of Ghana and the Defence Minister of Italy Lorenzo Guerini signed on behalf of his country.