South African President Jacob Zuma and Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and their wives salute during Mugabe's state visit (Photos: Francisco Little)

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe speaking to the media in Pretoria

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe visited South Africa on his first state visit in 20 years on April 8-9. The 91-year old leader was warmly welcomed by South African President Jacob Zuma who called Mugabe his "dear brother."

The visit saw ministers from both countries sign agreements on the establishment of a bi-national commission, and an MOU on diplomatic consultations, mutual assistance between customs administrations and the establishment and functioning of the joint water commission.

South African and Zimbabwean business leaders also met on the sidelines of the visit to exchange views on how South Africa and Zimbabwe can work together to promote economic cooperation.

Foreign direct investment by South African entities in Zimbabwe between 2003 and 2013 amounted to approximately 12.8 billion rand ($1.1 billion), according to Zuma. Historically, Zimbabwe and South Africa trade more with each other than with any other country on the continent. 

South Africa's exports to Zimbabwe are made up of machinery, electrical equipment, mechanical appliances, chemical products, base metals, mineral products and agro-processed products, while Zimbabwe's exports to South Africa include textiles, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones as well as base metals and mineral products.