Bright future for TZ, Zambia relations
ZAMBIA: TANZANIA and Zambia have signed eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) of which among others provide solutions to various challenges facing the two countries.
The signing of the MoU was held at the State House in Lusaka Zambia on Wednesday witnessed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema.
The signed MoU included Development and Natural Gas Export Project from Tanzania to Zambia, Tanzania Trade Development Authority and Zambia Development Agency and Tanzania Investment Centre and Zambia Development Agency.
Other signed MoU were Cooperation in Science Technology and Innovation and implementation agreement between the Ministry of Defence and National Service of Tanzania and the Ministry of Defence of Zambia relating to exchange programme for students from the command and staff college.
The two countries also signed implementation agreement between the Ministry of Defence and National Service of Tanzania and the Ministry of Defence of Zambia on exchange programme for directing staff from the command and staff college.
The list also includes implementation agreement between Tanzania’s Ministry of Defence and National Service and Zambia’s Ministry of Defence regarding exchange programme for officer cadets and implementation agreement between the two ministries in the field of medical services.
Briefing journalists after witnessing the signing of the MoUs, President Samia said that the two countries found solutions for various challenges including trade and logistics challenges through the signed MoUs.
“Through the signed MoUs we have found solutions on trade and logistic challenges and others, hoping others will be signed soon because we have assigned the task to be done by our government officials… The MoUs are the sign of success of this visit for both sides,” Dr Samia said.
She said in two days, she had opportunity to discuss and share insight on range of issues with her counterpart, President Hichilema adding that during the discussion they noted satisfaction on deliberate efforts undertaken by two governments to strengthen the long-standing and excellent relations between the two countries.
“We reaffirmed the personal commitment of the two governments to ensure that we continue cherishing and enhancing the existing bonds of relationship and partnership with a solid foundation led by founding fathers Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Kenneth Kaunda.
Dr Samia said further that Tanzania’s government will further strengthen bilateral relations for mutual benefit of the people.
For his part, Zambian President Hichilema said that the signed MoUs must be deepened to grow economy and create economic and educational opportunities for young people in both countries.
“When we succeed in the economy project including the revival of Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), expanding Tanzania–Zambia Crude Oil Pipeline (TAZAMA), by putting new facilities, gas opportunities, sharing experiences in mining sectors, we can generate revenues to support education, health and other social sectors,” President Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema also thanked the government of Tanzania for the gift of 20 hectares of land and pledged to use the land to facilitate both countries’ economies.
