S.Africa, Eq. Guinea eye tighter ties on Zuma trip

MALABO (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma sought to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with oil heavyweight Equatorial Guinea during a visit on Wednesday, his office said in a statement.

Zuma's visit coincided with Equatoguinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's release of four South African mercenaries jailed for a foiled 2004 coup led by former British special forces officer Simon Mann, who was also pardoned.

"We are prepared to do what we must to ensure that our nations work hand in hand in promoting development, peace and prosperity for our people," Zuma said in the statement.

Equatorial Guinea said earlier in the day Zuma was to visit the island capital Malabo to "inspect the energy project, hold face-to-face meetings with the government and sign bilateral agreements between the two countries."

No details were given on the deals Zuma was meant to sign with Equatorial Guinea, nor what project he was meant to review.

Equatorial Guinea, sub-Saharan Africa's No. 3 oil producer, is in the midst of preparing a "master plan" with partners aimed at making the Central African nation a regional natural gas exporting hub.

Zuma's office said his ministers for energy, state security and international relations accompanied him.

"South Africa is keen to promote economic relations in the areas of agriculture, mining, energy, tourism and infrastructure development, in addition to collaboration in the furtherance of the African political agenda including the strengthening of democracy in the continent," the South African presidency said.

Pretoria has denied intervening in the release of the South African nationals.