TANZANIA, GUINEA-BISSAU: Ties get to new heights

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan and Guinea-Bissau counterpart Umaro Embaló have agreed to enhance bilateral ties and boost economic cooperation between their nations.

At the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the two Heads of State made their commitments shortly after holding bilateral discussions as part of President Embaló’s two-day working visit mission to the nation.

Highlighting the importance of the visit, President Samia emphasised the historical significance as it marked the first official visit by a Guinea-Bissau President to Tanzania.

Key outcomes of the discussions included the signing of a Cooperation Framework Agreement, laying the groundwork for future engagements in the sectors of economy, investment and trade.

President Samia underscored the mutual benefit of collaboration, particularly in high-value sectors like cashew farming and the blue economy.

“Tanzania and GuineaBissau are renowned producers of high-quality cashew nuts. We have agreed to embark on joint efforts focusing on research and value addition to our cashew products,” President Samia said during a press briefing.

The discussions also covered broader economic aspects and strategic regional and international issues, including efforts towards promoting peace and security across Africa.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at enhancing intra-African trade and economic integration.

President Embaló’s visits also included engagements with Tanzania’s Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), aimed at exploring infrastructure linkages that could further facilitate trade between the two countries.

Additionally, cooperation in sectors such as health, education, defence and security were highlighted as areas of mutual interest. The leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in the critical sectors to address common challenges and promote regional stability.

“Our discussions have also focused on leveraging our extensive coastlines to enhance our blue economy, including opportunities in fishing, beach tourism and transportation,” President Samia added.

President Embaló, who chairs the Secretariat of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in combating diseases and advancing health initiatives across the continent.

Dr Samia further said among those who played a role in uniting the two nations were Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, revered as the Father of the Nation and Amilcar Cabral of Guinea-Bissau, both champions of a unified and independent Africa.

“They were steadfast in their opposition to colonialism and Tanzania chaired the liberation committee of the former Organisation of African Unity.

Through individuals, organisations and liberation movements “Our country supported the independence struggles of several nations.

A key aspiration of these leaders was to achieve independence for our nations and foster cooperation for mutual prosperity and growth.” She noted.

Dr Samia further said the visit has given them an opportunity to discuss and deliberate on what their independence leaders began for the two countries.

President Embaló expressed his heartfelt gratitude during his visit to Tanzania, emphasising the deep historical ties between the two nations.

“We are delighted to be here today because in Tanzania, we feel at home in the first pan-Africanist country. All our independence leaders gathered here in Dar es Salaam,” he stated.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between the countries, saying Tanzania played pivotal role in Guinea’s path to independence.

He specifically acknowledged Mwalimu Nyerere for his significant support, noting: “We will never forget Mwalimu Nyerere, the first President who honoured Amilcar Cabral and offered us help when we needed it most.”

Looking forward, President Embaló expressed optimism about the signed agreements between the two countries, emphasising the need to intensify efforts to enhance their ties.

He added: “With this agreement, we must work to strengthen our bonds.