ACCRA, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger relations with China, stressing the need to deepen cooperation across key sectors.

Speaking Tuesday during a farewell visit by outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Tong Defa, Mahama underscored the importance of enhanced collaboration between the two countries in security, counterterrorism and trade to achieve mutual benefits.

Expressing appreciation for China's support, Mahama thanked Beijing for its role in negotiating Ghana's debt restructuring and for its continued assistance to the country's development. He also suggested the establishment of a payment and settlement system between the two countries to further boost economic cooperation.

For his part, Tong praised Mahama for successfully steering Ghana's economic recovery during the first year of his tenure.

He said China's zero-tariff arrangement for Ghanaian exports would soon be implemented, and reiterated the need to further strengthen cooperation in areas including industry, trade, mining, and science and technology. ■