Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike in Dar es salaam, Tanzania
ZIMBABWE and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, building on the enduring bond forged during the liberation struggle.
This follows a meeting here yesterday between Vice-President Kembo Mohadi and his Tanzanian counterpart, Dr Phillip Isdore Mpango.
VP Mohadi is currently in Tanzania on a visit to key liberation war heritage sites, in line with the Second Republic’s efforts to honour and preserve the legacy of fallen heroes buried in foreign lands.
Speaking after their meeting at State House, VP Mohadi underscored the longstanding relations between the two countries, which span trade, cultural and historical ties.
“We have trade relations, we trade together, and through the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), we meet to discuss issues of mutual importance,” he said.
The two countries are now working towards upgrading their co-operation to a Bi-National Commission, which would broaden the scope of engagement.
“We are already co-operating and what remains is to upgrade our relations to a Bi-National Commission, which will allow us to discuss a wider range of issues,” he said.
Dr Mpango expressed Tanzania’s eagerness to strengthen trade and economic ties with Zimbabwe.
He stressed the importance of acknowledging Tanzania’s sacrifices during the liberation struggle, which ensured that no African nation remained under colonial domination.
“First, we appreciate that our brother, Zimbabwe, acknowledges the sacrifices made by Tanzanians in the liberation struggle. This recognition is vital as we continue to work towards a free and united Africa,” said Dr Mpango.
He outlined areas of potential collaboration, including agriculture, tourism, mining, health and education, noting that under the JPC, the two nations would focus on increasing trade, attracting investment and boosting tourism.
“We agreed that under the Joint Permanent Commission, we will work to increase trade, attract investments, promote tourism and support one another in various fields that are beneficial to both countries,” Dr Mpango added.
On behalf of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dr Mpango expressed gratitude for VP Mohadi’s visit.
Today, VP Mohadi is expected to visit the Bagamoyo Training Camp (now the Kaole Wazazi College of Agriculture) before touring the African Liberation Museum Centre.
He is accompanied by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister Dr Omphile Marupi, Instak chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Deputy Minister Chido Sanyatwe and other senior Government officials.
Tanzania played a pivotal role during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, providing sanctuary and training facilities for freedom fighters at camps such as Morogoro, Nachingwea, Mgagao and Bagamoyo.
