Much to the amazement of the highly diplomatic dinner, the two presidents, both dressed in traditional African white gown, were escorted to the left-hand side of the high table to put-off their gown in preparation for a push-up. What was first thought to be a joke saw the two leaders without hesitation push-up together, an exercise that saw them count 20. The exercise was brief but it gave the banquet a true meaning, in particular the friendship between the two leaders.

“When we met this afternoon we have come to an agreement that first of all you don’t beat your host in the push-up competition and second do not beat your guest. So we decided to do 20 push-ups together. So this is something special to the two countries and the 20 is very meaningful to both of us. I believe we have made a world record perhaps it can be kept in the Guineas Book record. The push-up contest is very meaningful because it reminds both of us as leaders that we shall take care of our health so that we can take care of our people,” President Ma said in his banquet speech.