I'm learning a lot from Mugabe, says Zambia's Lungu

Cape Town – Zambian President Edgar Lungu has reportedly described his Zimbabwean counterpart President Robert Mugabe as an "elderly statesman in the region who knows all corners", saying he is "learning a lot" from him.

According to the state-owned newspaper The Herald, Lungu said this after holding talks with Mugabe at State House in Harare, ahead of the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) summit.

More than 10 heads of state are attending the one-day summit on industrial growth on Wednesday.

Lungu said he was getting used to Mugabe's hospitality.

This was not the first time that Lungu has met Mugabe.

The Zambian leader was in Harare in February when he held bilateral talks with Mugabe just after he won presidential elections to replace Michael Sata, who died last year.

Lungu is expected to officially open the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation said Lungu was set to address the SADC heads of state on Wednesday.

The report said Lungu will focus on the finalisation of the industrialisation strategy and roadmap for the region.