Dar
Es Salaam — Tanzania and the Kingdom of Morocco yesterday signed 21 partnership
agreements in various areas, including political cooperation, aviation,
tourism, agriculture and oil and gas as part of renewed efforts to strengthen
bilateral relations between the two countries.
The
two countries have not had close relations since Morocco decided to quit the Organization
of African Unity (OAU), the precursor of the African Union (AU), in November
1984 after the OAU admitted a delegation claiming to represent Western Sahara.
But
Tanzania has indicated it is ready to forge closer ties with northern African
monarchy as part of efforts to implement its economic diplomacy agenda.
The
signing of the agreements at State House, Dar Es Salaam, was witnessed by President
John Magufuli and King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who arrived in Tanzania on
Sunday for a three-day official to be followed by a five-day private visit. The
monarch arrived with a 150-strong delegation.
The
two countries also signed an agreement that would see the establishment of
mechanisms to further political consultations through their respective
ministries of foreign affairs.
Agreements
were also signed to forge closer links and cooperation between the two
countries' business communities and sectors such as finance and banking.
The
agreements were signed by ministers and officials from the two countries.
"In
addition to these agreements, King Mohammed VI has accepted my request to
assist in the constructing of a modern stadium in Dodoma and an ultra-modern
mosque in Dar Es Salaam," President Magufuli said in a brief speech. The
stadium is expected to cost between $80 million and $100 million.
The
two countries will also introduce training exchange programmers among defense
and security organs, President Magufuli said, adding that about 150 Tanzanian
soldiers will fly to Morocco next week for military training.
The
two countries have also agreed to establish direct flights between Rabat and
Dar es Salaam to foster tourism and make business trips cheaper and more
convenient.
"Morocco
is doing better in tourism, mining and finance. The direct flights will enhance
tourism and exchange of visits," President Magufuli noted.
Speaking
prior to the signing ceremony, the minister of Foreign Affairs and East African
Cooperation, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, said the agreements would open a new chapter
of cooperation and engagement between the two countries.
"This
is the first time the Moroccan monarch has visited Tanzania, and he did not
come empty-handed as can been from agreements to be signed today," he
said.
The
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr Charles Mwijage, said the
agreements signed yesterday provided platforms to facilitate industrial
development in Tanzania.
For
his part, the Moroccan Foreign Affairs minister, Mr. Selahddine Mezouar,
commended Tanzania's decision to enhance for cooperation with his country.
He
said the signing of the agreements was proof of the two government's commitment
to boost their economies and improve living standards.
"We
do appreciate the efforts by President Magufuli to bring development to
Tanzania. We also appreciate the fact that this goes hand in hand with
improving investment and business environments," he said
The
Moroccan economy is one of the largest in Africa behind South Africa, Nigeria,
Angola and Egypt.
The
President of the Moroccan business community, Ms Miriem Bensalah, said the
country's private sector was ready to work with the Tanzania Private Sector
Foundation (TPSF) to ensure objectives in commercial and business cooperation
were attained.
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