Accra, Dec. 30, GNA- Mr Valery Orlov, Russian Ambassador to Ghana on Tuesday called for the need for Ghana and Russia to strengthen the already existing cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Orlov who called on Sheik I.C.Quaye, Greater Regional Minister asked the Minister to formulate a concrete proposal stating specific issues on interstate cooperation to enhance the economic relationship between the two countries.

Mr Orlov said he had visited the Central, Western and Ashanti Regional Ministers to discuss the same issues with them on what the two countries could do to enhance their economic ties more especially at the bi-lateral level.

He said the Russian Federation attached importance to development of Ghana, adding that the creation of the Russia/Ghana Parliament in Ghana was a positive step.

He said through the relationship, some members of the Russian Parliament accompanied by Russian businessmen visited Ghana and business contacts were also established.

Mr Orlov said this year, 20 Ghanaian students were given scholarships to pursue graduate and five for post-graduate courses in Russia.

He said many students call at the embassy seeking scholarships adding that the Russian government hoped to increase the number of scholarships for other courses.

He announced that construction work on a new block for the Russian Embassy would begin in January next year.

Sheik I.C.Quaye commended Russian government for the long relationship and the many assistance offered to Ghana. He gave the assurance that his outfit would not waste time in working out the proposal for submission to the embassy for consideration.

The Regional Minister said assistance from the Russian government to sustain the fight against mosquitoes and environmental pollution in the region would be very much appreciated since they were the major problems confronting Accra.

He said Ghana was considered the pace setter in the West African sub-region for receiving many migrants daily due to the relative peace that was prevailing in the country.

He said there was, therefore, the need for a permanent solution to manage the environmental pollution and mosquitoes to prevent malaria.