Kumasi, Oct. 5, GNA - President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan of Surinam, on Saturday stressed the need for Africans in the Diaspora to foster closer collaboration with their counterparts in Africa to sustain the Continent's development.

He said Africans from their struggle for independence from colonial rule, slavery, poverty, diseases and hunger should be more concerned with addressing these challenges to develop the Continent. President Venetiaan made the call during a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. He was accompanied by Mr Osei Assibey Antwi, Ashanti Regional Deputy Minister.

President Venetiaan commended Ghana for her adherence to democratic rule, good governance and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry, saying leaders on the continent and developing countries in general should continually uphold rule of law to better the living conditions of the masses.

He said efforts would be made to undertake cultural exchanges and trade between Asanteman and Ghana for their mutual benefit. Otumfuo Osei Tutu said the relationship between Surinam and Ghana existed during the pre-colonial era and should be strengthened to enhance development.

"Some Surinames bear the names Osei, Adansi and Abina which indicates their roots in Asante", he said.