Daily News Tanzania
Sunday December 22, 2024
SOMALIA: TANZANIA and Somalia have signed multiple agreements aimed at enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The pacts signed in Mogadishu on Thursday address cooperation in defence, tourism, health, aviation and general diplomacy, promising a new era of collaboration between the two East African neighbours.
In the health sector, the agreements aim to facilitate medical training, share expertise and manage public health crises, especially after recent regional pandemics.
This involves joint research projects, sharing of medical resources and coordinated responses to health emergencies.
During the signing ceremony of the health agreements, Tanzania was represented by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Godwin Mollel, on behalf of Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama.
The agreements focus on key areas that will strengthen the well-being of the citizens of both countries.
Key areas to be emphasised include specialised and super specialised expertise, the exchange of human resources for the health sector between the two countries and building the capacity of health workers.
Other important areas include research and innovation, the availability of health commodities and digital health services.
Emphasis will also be placed on medical tourism, sharing experiences and the management of the healthcare supply chain, alongside seeking resources to improve healthcare services.
On strategic partnership in defence the collaboration is intended to bolster counter-terrorism efforts, enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean and share intelligence to combat regional threats. Both nations have faced challenges from piracy and insurgent groups, making this cooperation essential for regional peace.
The agreements highlight an initiative to promote tourism, tapping into Tanzania’s established attractions like Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro and Somalia’s emerging cultural heritage sites. Cultural exchanges are expected to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between the peoples of both countries.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the deal is the establishment of direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam. This move not only aims to boost trade but also to simplify travel for business, tourism and personal exchanges.
The improvement in air connectivity is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth by reducing travel times and costs.
Beyond sector-specific agreements, there’s a broad commitment to cooperation in education, trade and environmental conservation. This includes scholarships for students, trade facilitation and joint efforts in climate change mitigation, acknowledging the shared environmental challenges.
The agreements are the culmination of discussions initiated during President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Dar es Salaam earlier this year. His talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan were marked by a shared vision for the development and stability of East Africa.
The ceremony in Mogadishu was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including ministers for foreign affairs, defence and tourism.
The Tanzanian delegation was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mohammed Thabit Kombo, accompanied by Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr Pindi Chana.