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Tanzania, Namibia to improve ties
2006-04-12 07:48:16
By Guardian Reporter, Windhoek
Namibia plans to set up a permanent consular office in Tanzania to strengthen co-operation and speed up implementation of bilateral development programmes.
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba announced here at a banquet hosted in honour of visiting President Jakaya Kikwete, who is on his first state visit to the country, after his election in December Former Namibian president Sam Nujoma attended the function.
The setting up of a permanent office in Tanzania, would consolidate bilateral relations among the two friendly countries and increase the pace of implementing joint projects, Pohamba said.
’’I want to assure you that we are ready and committed to promote the existing co-operation between our governments and people.
That’s why my government wants to install a permanent office to speed up realisation of our joint missions,’’ said the Nambian President.
Pohamba said a joint permanent commission formed by Tanzania and Namibia in 1999 spelt out clearly priority areas for cooperation – agriculture, fishing, business, investment, mining, finance, health, education and culture.
He hailed Tanzania’s contribution in the liberalization of struggle in Africa saying Tanzania leaders and people devoted their land, equipment, skills and other resources to liberate their fellow Africans.
But said, both countries still face some challenges ahead, in bringing about sustainable development, fighting abject poverty, rampant unemployment among the youth, disease etc. ’’However, I am glad to note the two countries have set programmes aimed to create more jobs and fight poverty,” he said.
Reciprocating, President Kikwete said Namibia and Tanzania had historical relations, recalling days when the latter cheered up the whole night, after Namibia was announced an independent country. ’’We are here today, to demonstrate our support for freedom and independence of our people,’’ said the President.
The President assured his host that Tanzania was committed to strengthening co-operation between the two countries in democracy and other international forums.
Kikwete expressed his satisfaction on business and economic relations between the two nations, saying extra efforts were needed to improve and expand on the problematic areas.
’’I have come here to you on the importance of these areas. I believe we will succeed through our permanent joint commission on business and economic co-operation,’’ said the President.
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