It was with shock and deep sadness that I had learned of the sudden death of President John Evans Atta Mills. I had come to Ghana expecting to meet President Atta Mills and to congratulate him personally on many of his achievements. I wish to extend my mostsincere condolences to the people of Ghana and to his wife and family.

In these current sad circumstances for the country I am particularly grateful to have had the chance to meet President John Dramani Mahama. We have exchanged views on a number of bilateral and regional issues.

We confirmed the excellent relations between the European Union and Ghana and expressed our willingness to develop our partnership further, based on the shared values enshrined in the Cotonou Agreement. In many respects, Ghana is a model, which has inspired other African countries to strive for democracy, respect for human rights, poverty alleviation and economic success.

Although the country is saddened by the passing of one of its great sons and statesman, its mature reaction to this loss and the quick implementation of constitutional provisionsdesigned to ensure the continuity of democratic government, shows once again how far this country has moved forward.