TZ assures support to Mozambique’s terrorism fight
TANZANIA has expressed its readiness to continue supporting Mozambique in fighting terrorism in its northern province, Cabo Delgado.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Amb Mbarouk Mbarouk made the statement during the 15th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between Tanzania and Mozambique.
The JPC that was held between Monday and Wednesday this week, aimed at assessing the implementation of the resolution of the 14th JPC held in September 2006.
He said, Tanzania has always been a reason to cooperate with Mozambique in all aspects of development for the greater interest of the two parties.
Amb Mbarouk said, due to terrorism attacks in Mozambique, Tanzania contributed troops to take part as SADC Standby Force, established under the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) which is mandated to combat terrorists in the Cabo Delgado Province.
“I would like to assure you that, Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) will continue to work hand in hand with the Mozambique Defence Forces and other SADC countries’ Forces so as to fight against terrorism and bring everlasting peace and security in Mozambique,” said the deputy minister.
Amb Mbaruk maintained that the government of Tanzania will also continue to take the commitment of doing its best to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached in the JPC.
“With this stand, we can give new dynamic impetus in our cooperation so that it will be proportional with the current excellent political relations between our two peoples and governments,” explained further.
For his part, the Mozambican Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Manuel Gonçalves, expressed gratitude for Tanzania’s support in fighting terrorism acts in his country.
He said the support is a result of the great bilateral ties that our countries have enjoyed since 1970’s, calling for a continued effort to explore opportunities in social and economic aspects.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Amb Joseph Sokoine said the two countries have plenty of opportunities that will play a big role in further improving the economies for the greater interest of both parties.
Areas of cooperation that were discussed during the 15th were grouped in three clusters such as Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security; Economic, Trade and Finance as well as Social affairs.
After proper identification of the new areas of cooperation, the two governments will prepare contracts that will be signed before official implementation of the additional agenda.
Speaking on Monday at the JPC meeting for senior government officials, Amb Sokoine also noted the importance by the two countries to develop a strategy of exploiting the opportunities brought by the Umoja Bridge along river Ruvuma that links Tanzania and Mozambique for economic gains.
“The bridge was inaugurated in 2010. Though, we are yet to fully exploit the benefits of the Unity Bridge and yet, insecurity along the border is another setback to trans boundary trade with the potential to affect local livelihoods,” he said.
