HARARE, Oct. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Uganda and Zimbabwe have patched up their differences over the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),where they support opposite sides, and re-established old ties, local media reported Tuesday.

    Speaking at a banquet hosted for him by Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe at State House on Monday evening, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said Zimbabwe and Uganda enjoy good relations despite being on opposite sides in the Congolese conflict.

    "In spite of this little misunderstanding, we have always worked together. I come here to show to you that we are brothers. Historically speaking, we are on the same side, we must work together," he said.

    Museveni noted that Zimbabwe was among some of the Southern African Development Community member states that have understood and supported Uganda's concern at Sudan's policies in the southernpart of that vast country.

    Speaking at the same occasion, Mugabe said with the Congolese conflict now behind, the challenge was now to have a stronger bondin the region to promote economic integration and co-operation.

    Mugabe said although at present there was little trade between Uganda and Zimbabwe, there was huge potential for economic co-operation between the two countries. He said co-operation could also be extended to the health sector, including the fight againstHIV/AIDS. Enditem