On the afternoon of September 20, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with President of Ghana John Evans Atta Mills at the Great Hall of the People. The two presidents spoke highly of bilateral ties, agreeing to lift their friendly cooperative ties to a new high, as the two nations mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Hu said China-Ghana relations have withstood the tests of the changes in the international situation and their respective domestic circumstances and achieved continuous development, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. China praises Ghana’s adherence to the one-China policy.

Hu said both sides should deepen bilateral ties based on mutual respect. China always regards Ghana as a sincere, reliable and trustworthy friend and is ready to work with Ghana to increase exchange at high and other levels, including those between ruling parties. He also said he hopes the two nations will support each other in the cause of safeguarding national sovereignty and stability and promoting common development and maintain coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. Both sides should enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation with mutual benefit as a target. China is ready to explore new areas and new ways of expanding bilateral trade and promote sustained and stable growth of the trade. Hu urged both sides to continue enhancing communication and coordination and make sure the cooperation projects already agreed upon be built in good quality and on time. China will encourage its companies to take part in the development of agriculture, resources, energy, electricity, communications and infrastructure in Ghana, Hu added. Hu also said China will continue to direct its companies in Ghana to better serve the local people. Both sides should expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges with long-term friendship as a purpose. China is ready to work with Ghana to well implement bilateral cultural cooperation agreement, boost contacts and exchange of visits between arts groups, academic institutions, media and sports organizations, continue to support the development of education and medical care in Ghana and help Ghana to train professional talents.

Echoing Hu’s views on furthering bilateral ties, Mills expressed satisfaction with the smooth development of Ghana-China ties. He said Ghana and China have a long history of friendly relations and both peoples enjoy profound friendship. The Ghana people will not forget that the Chinese people have always stood by the Ghana people when Ghana was in difficulty. He thanked China for its selfless assistance over the years. China's aid is not only about giving a fish, but teaching to fish, playing a positive role in Ghana’s economic and social development. The achievements in China’s development are amazing to the world. Ghana is ready to learn from China’s development experience and further boost cooperation with China on economy, trade, humanities, education, medical care and infrastructure. He also pledged to develop mutually beneficial partnership with China and advance the well-being of people in the two countries and the whole African continent.

Mills said that both countries are facing the pressing tasks of development and China has offered enormous support to Ghana’s economic growth. A large delegation of entrepreneurs is traveling with Mills to visit China and both sides have reached many important cooperation agreements during the visit. Mills urged both sides to step up efforts in implementing various agreements and push bilateral pragmatic cooperation for outcome. He emphasized that Ghana will work to attract foreign direct investment, adding that Ghana will protect the interests of investors and create favorable environment for them.

After their talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a series of cooperative documents.

Prior to the talks, President Hu held a welcoming ceremony for President Mills at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Vice Chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Yan Junqi, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Luo Fuhe, Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSGL) Wang Yifu, Minister of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhang Ping, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming and Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Gong Jianzhong attended the welcoming ceremony.