President Armando Guebusa of Mozambique has called for a stronger economic ties with Uganda to realize the potential of both countries.

President Guebuza made this call during an official banquet held in his honour by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda in Kampala.

He said that contrary to the geographical perspective that Mozambique and Uganda are distant countries, from a diplomatic and political analysis they are neighbours working to become even closer.

“Economists will argue that Mozambique and Uganda can further reduce the distance separating them by consolidating the excellent diplomatic and political relations through taking advantage of the many business opportunities”’ he said.

President Guebuza was in Uganda to celebrate the country’s 51^st independent celebration, and was decorated by the host president with the Uganda’s highest honour given to heads of state.

The Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa was awarded in recognition of his leadership in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and for his role in the anti-colonial struggle in Mozambique.

Museveni has a longstanding relationship with Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo Party, and underwent military training with Frelimo guerrillas prior to Mozambican independence.

His National Resistance Movement (NRM) is also grateful to Mozambique for its participation in the overthrow of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in 1979.