Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and the Federal Republic of Somalia on Thursday reached a historic milestone in their diplomatic relations by signing four pivotal agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties.
The signing ceremony, which took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, saw the participation of a high-level Tanzanian delegation led by Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania, and co-chaired by Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The four agreements signed during the ceremony were the General Cooperation Agreement, the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), the Tourism Promotion Agreement and the Health Sector Cooperation Agreement.
These key documents reflect both countries’ shared commitment to enhancing their cooperation in critical areas such as defense, healthcare, tourism, air transport, and overall economic development.
The two delegations expressed their mutual recognition of the deep historical ties and longstanding friendship that have connected the nations of Tanzania and Somalia over the years.
Both governments emphasized the importance of their relationship, commending the leadership of Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Somali President Dr Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for their exemplary guidance.
“Under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania has worked tirelessly to foster peace and development in the region,” said Minister Kombo.
He went on to add: “We are confident that these agreements will further cement our close ties and lead to greater cooperation between our nations.
“With the support and leadership of Her Excellency President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, we are confident that the initiatives we have launched today will lead to greater prosperity, peace, and regional cooperation,” said Ambassador Kombo.
For his part, Ambassador Fiqi emphasized: “We are not starting a new relationship, but rather rekindling a historical one.”
He explained that while Somalia has already been collaborating with Tanzania through various platforms, including the East African Community, it is crucial to further strengthen bilateral relations.
This would not only build closer ties, but also expand the scope of cooperation.
Ambassador Fiqi added that such efforts would create greater opportunities to address the region’s key challenges, particularly peace and security, which have long been obstacles to social and economic development.
A commitment to regional cooperation
In their discussions, the two delegations also addressed regional and continental issues, reaffirming their commitment to promoting cooperation within the frameworks of the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).
Both countries stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling shared challenges and advancing regional peace and stability, especially through initiatives that promote mutual prosperity and security.
One of the main focal points of the discussions was the General Cooperation Agreement, which is designed to consolidate bilateral relations and boost economic development.
This agreement aims to promote partnerships across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure development, and capacity-building programs.
The two sides agreed to continue strengthening this cooperation to achieve long-term, sustainable growth for both nations.
Sector-specific collaborations
Air transport
A key highlight of the agreements was the review and strengthening of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Both governments recognized the importance of improving air transport links between their countries and the broader East African region.
The revised BASA includes provisions for direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mogadishu, which are expected to enhance connectivity, foster trade, and facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services.
The introduction of direct flights will also support the growth of tourism and provide easier access for business and leisure travelers alike.
Tourism was another important area of focus.
Under the Tourism Promotion Agreement, both countries agreed to enhance their collaboration in promoting tourism, with an emphasis on the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage sites.
The agreement also calls for the exchange of expertise between government officials to develop sustainable tourism policies and improve the overall tourism management capacity in both nations.
This partnership is expected to boost tourism as a major driver of economic growth, benefiting local communities and creating job opportunities.
The Health sector cooperation
This is particularly significant, as it opens up avenues for collaboration in the exchange of technical expertise, capacity-building, and the trade of health commodities.
Both delegations expressed their commitment to improving healthcare services in their respective countries, with the goal of enhancing access to medical services and fostering cooperation in medical tourism.
Additionally, the agreement lays the foundation for joint efforts in training healthcare professionals and addressing public health challenges.
Security and capacity building
In the area of security, both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and strengthening border security.
The discussions focused on sharing best practices, training law enforcement agencies, and improving cross-border coordination. Both governments recognized that ensuring the safety and security of their citizens is crucial for promoting regional stability and supporting economic growth.
A joint ministerial cooperation commission
To oversee and implement the signed agreements, both delegations agreed to establish a Joint Ministerial Cooperation Commission (JMCC).
This body will serve as a platform for continued dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that the agreements are effectively implemented and that new areas for collaboration are identified.
The JMCC will also focus on furthering initiatives in higher education, the blue economy, and the development and promotion of Kiswahili, a language spoken by millions across East Africa.
The path forward
As the meetings concluded, both delegations expressed satisfaction with the productive discussions and the agreements reached.
They emphasized the importance of implementing the outcomes in a timely manner, with a focus on tangible results for their citizens.
The commitment to regular follow-up and continuous communication will ensure that the agreements are fully realized.
The signing of these agreements marks the beginning of a new era of cooperation between Somalia and Tanzania, paving the way for closer ties and shared prosperity in the future.
Both countries are optimistic that these agreements will lead to greater opportunities for their citizens, enhancing peace, security, and economic development in the region.
