King Mohammed VI, who started Sunday a historic visit to Tanzania within the frame of a tour in East Africa, had Monday in Dar es Salaam, a private meeting with President John Pombe Magufuli.
The two African leaders co-chaired, the same day, the signing ceremony of 22 agreements destined to boost cooperation ties between the two countries in the political, economic, scientific and cultural fields.
The signed deals include partnership projects in hydrocarbons, energy, mining, industry, air transportation, agriculture, fisheries, fertilizers, renewable energy, tourism, insurance, health, banking…
These agreements seek to enhance further south-south cooperation spearheaded by the Sovereign in Africa for the sake of African people.
Tanzanian president Magufuli hailed the sealed cooperation agreements which will lift up partnership to a higher level and become, he said, a model and source of inspiration.
For his part, Tanzania top diplomat Augustine Mahiga said these agreements will open a new chapter in relations between the two countries. A view shared by his Moroccan peer Salaheddine Mezouar who said the North African Kingdom is determined to build an exemplary sustainable partnership with Tanzania.
The royal visit paid last week to Rwanda was crowned by the signing of 23 cooperation accords aimed at boosting bilateral ties in almost all strategic sectors.
The cooperation areas covered by the agreements include foreign relations, security, finance, investments and private sector development.
The two countries agreed to hold regular political consultations, weave visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders, cooperate in counter-terrorism, exchange intelligence, avoid double taxation, combat tax evasion and launch an investment fund for Africa.
Dubbed “The Africa Mutual Growth Investment Fund”, this financial entity to be established in Rwanda, will have a $300 million capital dedicated to East Africa. In its first phase, the Fund will have $50 million allotted to Rwanda.
The two countries also agreed to set up a micro-finance program providing credit to project holders and microenterprise operators.
Other agreements deal with promotion and protection of investments, partnership in the field of tourism and pharmaceutical industry.
After Rwanda and Tanzania, King Mohammed VI will visit Ethiopia, last leg of a tour in East Africa.
