Addis Ababa, Jan. 22(ENA)--Bringing about sustainable economic development, attracting the flow of foreign investment and establishing durable peace and security should be given priority in Africa, Ghanaian president said.

Addressing "policy Forum" of the Global Coalition for Africa that opened in Accra on Wednesday president John Agyekum Kufer said conflicts should be resolved peacefully with a view to effectively utilizing the untapped resources in the continent.

He said the New Partnership for Africa’s Develpment (NEPAD) designed to bring about rapid economic development should include in its package the issue of peace and security.

The African governments are duty bound for the establishment of good governance to stop conflicts and the displacement of the people, the president said.

The acceptance of NEPAD by all development partners was a clear indication of the commitment to seek a joint solution to the problem of the continent, Kufer noted.

The president said Africans' should stop recrimination and stand in unison to addres the root causes of poverty, disease and backwardness in the continent.

The Botswana president Fetsus Mogae also said talking about peace is a waste of time unless it is possible to seek a solution to security issues by establishing democratic institutions.

He said the security problems have negative impact on the development endeavors of the continent, adding that the spread of HIV/AIDS has also posed a serious threat to the national economies of the African countries.

The president said although it is the duty of the governments to work for the prevalence of security, the society should work in cooperation to the establishment of peace and stability in the continent.

The forum, in its session on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi discussed about the development initiatives of NEPAD and security issues.

The co-chairpersons of the Global Coalition for Africa including prime Minster Meles held a closed meeting on Tuesday.

Prior to the opening of the forum prime minister Meles met and held discussions with the Rwandan president Paul Kagame.

Presidents of Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria and Rwanda as well as Ethiopian prime minister, represntatives of international organizations and renowned personalities are attending the two day meeting.

The forum is expected to wrap up its session on Thursday.

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