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He dismissed reports that Malawi was facing challenges because of a diplomatic stand off with Britain.
Relations between Malawi and Britain soured after the former expelled the latter’s High Commissioner Fergus Cochrane-Dyet after she was quoted by the whistle-blowing Website Wikileaks criticising the government.
Britain reciprocated and refused to acknowledge the in-coming Malawian envoy while withdrawing an invitation sent to the acting High Commissioner to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The British government announced a “review” of diplomatic relations between the two countries covering such areas as migration, defence, educational and cultural relations.
Malawi, which was receiving a reported one-third of its budget from London, had the aid withdrawn.
While formal diplomatic ties continued, British authorities declared that they will not recognise any envoy from the country until Malawi apologises.
Malawi has since withdrawn an order declaring Cochrane-Dyet a persona non grata, but Britain remains adamant.
This, according to sources, has resulted in Malawi facing acute fuel, fertiliser, foreign currency and electricity shortages.
President wa Mutharika said co-operation between African countries will help them overcome challenges.
“Bilateral relations between African countries would benefit their peoples. There are things found in Zimbabwe, which has a superior manufacturing sector and are not found in Malawi.
“It is these relations that are beneficial to our citizens that should be strengthened,” he said.
Malawian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Professor Richard Phoya had earlier said President Wa-Mutharika was in Zimbabwe to share notes with President Mugabe.
“This is a very private visit by our Head of State to confer with his brother Cde Robert Mugabe. There are quite a number of issues they need to compare notes” he said.
Ambassador Phoya said there was “nothing unusual” about the visit adding that Zimbabwe and Malawi were very close friends sharing a common history.
“We need to meet often and look at things on both sides,” he said.
Ambassador Phoya said there was need for Zimbabwe and Malawi to enhance trade saying President Mugabe and President Wa-Mutharika would discuss ways to boost business between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, his Media, Information and Publicity counterpart Webster Shamhu and other senior Government officials welcomed President Wa Mutharika at the Harare International Airport.
The visit by President WaMutharika comes on the heels of the African Union summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
He flew back home yesterday.
Online Reporter