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Mugabe in S. Africa to boost bilateral ties

Xinhua, April 8, 2015 Adjust font size:

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe arrived in Pretoria on Tuesday for a state visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

This is Mugabe's first state visit to South Africa in 21 years.

South African International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoane-Mashabane and Telecommunications Minister Siyabonga Cwele were at the Waterkloof Air Force Base to receive Mugabe.

The objective of Mugabe's two-day visit is to consult on issues of mutual interest, particularly bilateral and economic cooperation, and regional and continental matters, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

"The visit will further strengthen the historical, cultural and fraternal bonds that exist between South Africa and Zimbabwe," the department said in a statement.

During the visit, several agreements, including the Bi-National Commission Agreement, will be signed, with the aim to "elevate bilateral relations between the two countries".

South Africa and Zimbabwe have maintained close political and economic ties that can be dated back to the anti-apartheid times.

Zimbabwe is South Africa's third biggest trading partner. Endi