Harare — There is need for Zimbabwe and Mozambique to boost bilateral ties to accelerate growth of their economies, a diplomat has said.

Mozambique's ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Vincente Veloso said increased economic co-operation would also help to eradicate poverty. He said this at the celebrations of the country's independence.

"We have to help each other, if you do not help to put out the fire of your neighbour, it will also destroy you," he said.

The ambassador said it was crucial for the countries to collaborate and strengthen their economies, adding more joint commissions were necessary to address challenges facing the two countries which include crop diseases.

Dr Veloso noted that Mozambique was already procuring tobacco seedlings, wheat and soya bean seeds from Zimbabwe. He urged the two countries' public and private sectors to also take advantage of cross border infrastructure between the two countries to grow their businesses.

"The Beira corridor and harbour in Mozambique is not being fully utilised," he complained, adding the harbour could significantly boost the economies of landlocked countries.

Dr Veloso said relations between the two southern African nations were cemented by struggles and hardships they faced in the past.

Mozambique's economy has in the last five years experienced phenomenal growth spurred by an agricultural sector that is growing rapidly. New Ziana