Accra, April 25, GNA -- Yugoslav Foreign Minister Zivadin Jovanovic on Tuesday called on Vice President John Atta Mills at the Castle, Osu, and underscored the need for closer but profitable relations between his country and Ghana.

He said the two countries must work at securing fruitful political and socio-economic co-operation that will boost the development of their peoples, commonly united by the goals of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr Jovanovic is visiting Ghana at the head of a business delegation to explore areas of partnership with Ghanaians and also to renew an earlier invitation to President Jerry Rawlings to visit the Balkans.

He said Yugoslavia is entering a new stage and is working to further develop vital areas of its economy, especially science and technology, despite the current political difficulties.

Mr Jovanovic said despite sanctions by the West, the refugee problem and the "distorting pictures being shown around the world", Yugoslavia managed to achieve economic growth with average Gross National Product between five and six per cent as compared to the 1.7 per cent average for the entire Eastern Europe.

He lauded Ghana for its role in international politics in the past decade, saying it has been an inspiration to the developing world. "We so much cherish the positive and constructive role of Ghana in the West African region as one of promoters of integration, peace and stability," Mr Jovanovic said.

Vice President Mills, who described Yugoslavia as a "true friend", buttressed the need for the two countries to shift focus in their relations to economic co-operation to exploit the many opportunities available.

He said Yugoslavia still has the potentials and called on "true friends" to remain behind it to go through the current difficulties. Vice President Mills said there are investment opportunities in Ghana for genuine and committed investors.