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Ghana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have affirmed their commitment to strengthen trade and diplomatic relations. President John Dramani Mahama and the Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mr Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, made the pledge at the Flagstaff House in Accra yesterday. Prince Alwaleed was at the seat of government to hold discussions with President Mahama on investment opportunities and the strengthening of relations between Ghana and Saudi Arabia. The two leaders met behind closed doors before addressing the media later. In his remarks after the closed-door session, President Mahama said Prince Alwaleed started his relationship with Ghana with charitable work in education and health in deprived communities. He said Prince Alwaleed transformed the relationship into business by buying the Ambassador Hotel and turning it into the Movenpick Hotel. President Mahama said the Movenpick Hotel had contributed to improving Ghana's standards as a centre for international conferences. "Ghana is now one of the prime destinations of international conferences," he said. The President said the government would continue to engage with Saudi Holdings, the company owned by Prince Alwaleed, in areas of investment that the Prince had proposed. He said Ghana valued its relationship with Saudi Arabia and affirmed the government's commitment to strengthen the ties. President Mahama said the naming of the Nima Highway after Prince Alwaleed and his installation as a chief in Nima and Mamobi attested to his contribution to the two communities. Prince Alwaleed said he wanted to increase his investment in Ghana. Besides, he said, he would talk to Saudi investors to come down and invest in Ghana. "I will do whatever I can to strengthen the relations," he said. Prince Alwaleed extended an invitation to President Mahama to visit Saudi Arabia by the end of the year.