Russia and Ghana held talks in Moscow on Monday covering bilateral relations, trade, investment and the situation involving Ghanaian citizens reportedly missing while serving as foreign fighters in the Ukraine war.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his Ghanaian counterpart Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as the two countries discussed expanding economic cooperation and developments across Africa.
Ablakwa said Ghana was experiencing growing trade with Russia and was working to diversify its economic relationship beyond traditional exports.
The ministers also addressed concerns over Ghanaian nationals reportedly recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Lavrov said Russia’s Defence Ministry was reviewing Ghana’s requests concerning missing foreign mercenaries through a special department.
Lavrov also discussed tensions between Russia and Japan over the Kuril Islands, accusing Tokyo of going beyond acceptable diplomatic conduct after Japan objected to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Russian-controlled archipelago.
Japan claims four of the southernmost islands, which it calls the Northern Territories. The dispute dates back to the final days of World War II and has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty.
