UGANDAN leader President Yoweri Museveni yesterday called for closer bilateral ties with Zimbabwe, saying his country is keen for partnership to unlock more opportunities through value addition and beneficiation to stem losses from the continued export of raw materials.

He invited President Mnangagwa to visit his country for further economic discussions, as Kampala seeks deeper bilateral ties with Harare.

Officially opening the 60th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) here, President Museveni said Zimbabwe was a rich country endowed with natural resources such as minerals that are critical raw materials for modern manufacturing, including military industries.

He said Uganda shared the same dilemma with Zimbabwe on raw material exports, but stressed the need for partnerships in developing high value industries.

“I would like us to work together so that we develop this huge potential of Zimbabwe,” said President Museveni. “As I happen to be here, his Excellency President Mnangagwa has got one debt to pay.
“His Excellency President Mnangagwa has not been to Kampala since 1963 when he sneaked through and entered the airport, I think using a cover name, going for guerrilla training in Egypt. This is now exactly 56 years ago,” the Ugandan leader said, drawing applause from the large gathering in the ZITF main arena.State media