HARARE, Aug. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has said that Africa should take full advantage of next month's United Nations summit in New York to advance the continent's collective interests.

    He made the remarks here on Monday at a state banquet hosted in honor of visiting Namibian President Hafikipunye Pohamba, who is expected to open the Agricultural Show on Wednesday.

    "It is important for us to use that forum to ensure that the voice of Africa is clearly heard," Mugabe said.

    "We support the view that the reform process must strengthen the UN's ability to fulfill its role and functions in the development field under the leadership of the General Assembly," he said.

    "It is also critical that the United Nations carries out its mandated and comprehensive role in the economic and social areas."

    Referring to the bilateral relations, Mugabe said Pohamba's three-day visit was important in consolidating cordial relations that existed between both countries.

    "Such relations are born out of a long history of cooperation and solidarity dating back to the days of our common struggle for self-determination, freedom and independence," he said.

    He said there was need to implement agreed programs through the Joint Commission on Cooperation in areas of education, agriculture,health, investment, human resources development and exchange of information.

    Already 500 Namibian students were training at local colleges in Zimbabwe. The two countries were also involved in a joint venture of publishing a weekly regional paper, The Southern Times.

    Mugabe also expressed Zimbabwe was helping the development of agriculture in Namibia through the provision of experts in the field.

    "There is also need to enhance trade between our two countries and it is my sincere hope that consultations will be concluded soon on the appropriate dates for the signing of the amended Preferential Trade Agreement," he said.    Enditem