Tanzanian President John Magufuli yesterday extended his working visit in Zimbabwe as he held bilateral talks to deepen, promote and consolidate cooperation with his opposite number, President Mnangagwa.

The extension, fairly a rarity in statecraft, came as the two leaders pledged to transfigure existing historical and political relations towards a stronger bilateral focus.

The bilateral discussions that were attended by Cabinet ministers from both countries and senior Government officials were aimed at exploring ways to enhance cooperation in various sectors to increase trade, which is at US$10 million.

Briefing journalists after a two-hour long meeting at State House, Dr Magufuli said it was high time Zimbabwe and Tanzania transformed their relations from political to economic cooperation.

“I really enjoyed staying here in Zimbabwe and I think that the cooperation and bilateral relations will continue. I just came here to cement it. So I can say that I am acting like a catalyst and you know the work of a catalyst, it is to speed up the reaction even if it does not take part in the chemical change,” said President Magufuli who had earlier on given his brief in Swahili.State media