Rwanda and Tanzania are working to strengthen their cooperation in areas such as trade and regional integration for the benefit of citizens on both sides of the border.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta, and his Tanzanian counterpart, January Yussuf Makamba, who is on a working visit to Rwanda, announced that the two countries have agreed to enhance trade and the free movement of goods and people.
The two nations, which enjoy friendly relations, have agreed on new ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, ICT, infrastructure development, agriculture, and people-to-people relations.
During a press conference in Kigali, Dr. Biruta said that the visit of his Tanzanian counterpart has cemented the friendship between the two countries and provided an opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The ministers discussed ongoing projects, including the Rusumo Hydropower project, which is expected to add 27 megawatts to each country’s national grid later this year.
“Rwanda considers Tanzania as a good neighbor and a valued partner,” said Minister Biruta, noting the deep historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of the port of Dar es Salaam as a key route for Rwandan goods and expressed the desire to maintain good relations through increased trade flows.
Dr. Biruta also mentioned Rwanda’s commitment to the swift implementation of agreements and memorandums of understanding signed in the past and its readiness to identify new cooperation pathways. He emphasized Rwanda’s role in the East African Community and the importance of regional security and other mutual interests.
Minister Makamba thanked his host for the hospitality and confirmed the commitment to enhance ties between the two countries. He mentioned Tanzania’s commitment to making it easier for Rwanda to use the port of Dar es Salaam and noted that the Tanzania Ports Authority has opened an office in Rwanda to bring services closer to Rwandans.
