In a speech opening a state visit to the United States on September 15, Ghana’s President John Kufuor praised U.S. President George W. Bush’s support in the fight against HIV, malaria and other diseases in Ghana through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). He wished the U.S. commander in chief a happy retirement when his second term ends in January 2009, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports.

According to the article, Bush also has been instrumental in promoting literacy and providing economic development assistance in the West African nation.

“You are a survivor,” Kufuor told Bush. “And my hope is that history would prove kinder to you.”