Accra, June 2, GNA - Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg has lauded the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) for its outstanding role in promoting global peace and security.
The KAIPTC is the regional training Centre of Excellence on peace and security issues in West Africa and the Sahel.
Madam Solberg gave the commendation over the weekend during a visit to the Centre in Accra, as part of her official visit to Ghana.
The Prime Minister, who urged the KAIPTC to continue its good works, also said that her country would continue to support the activities of the Centre.
She said Norway seeks to contribute to peace and security in Ghana, the West Africa sub-region and the rest of Africa.
She called for cooperation in order to finding lasting solution to the ongoing conflicts in Mali and other countries in the sub-region.
She also praised the late Mr Kofi Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, after whom the Centre had been named for his distinguishing personality and outstanding performance in promoting global peace and security.
She said the late Mr Kofi Annan was an inspiration for many world leaders to emulate; adding that he was a symbol of dignity and hard.
She said care must be taken to ensure that Kofi Annan's legacy grows for the benefit of humanity.
She said there was the need for continued cooperation among member states of the United Nations to make sure that the world becomes a more peaceful place.
Madam Solberg, who together with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo are Co-Chair of the Imminent Group of Advocates for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), said they had a road map for the future.
"But there is one thing; we will not be able to reach those goals if we still have increasing conflicts in the world. We have to have decreasing conflicts in the world because those left behind are very often in the areas where there is conflict and no rule of law, and where countries who had made progress are moving backwards, " Madam Solberg said.
As part of her visit to the Centre, Madam Solberg planted a tree seedling in the KAIPTC Peace Garden.
Lieutenant General Obed Boamah Akwa, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces said the Prime Minister's visit was going to be a landmark in the history not only of Ghana but also of the KAIPTC.
He commended Norway for its continued support for Ghana and the KAIPTC.
Lt General Akwa on behalf of the Military High Commandant thanked Norway for its support for the Ghana Air Force peacekeeping mission, particularly in Mali and elsewhere globally; stating that "these are important initiatives contributing to global peace and security, which are required fundamentals for development".
Air Vice Marshal Griffith S. Evans, the Commandant, KAIPTC, also expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Government for the continued support to the Centre over the past ten years.
The Prime Minister was accompanied to the Centre by Mr Gunnar Andreas Holm, Norway Ambassador to Ghana.
GNA
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