Tanzania: Ramaphosa, Magufuli vow to boost bilateral ties
By Staff Writer, Dar es Salaam – President John Magufuli of Tanzania and his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa have jointly agreed to increase cooperation in trade and investments among the two countries.
Ramaphosa and Magufuli at State House
Addressing the nation at the Dar es Salaam State House during Mr. Ramaphosa’s 3 days State Visit ahead of the SADC meetings, President Magufuli also called on President Ramaphosa to collaborate with Tanzania in boosting the East African country’s tourism sector.
South Africa is currently receiving 10 million tourists while Tanzania is receiving only 1.5 million tourists a year. To increase tourists in Tanzania, President Magufuli has requested his counterpart to increase train flights and investment in Tanzania’s beaches and hotels industry.
Reacting on President Magufuli’s requests, President Ramaphosa agreed to encourage South African investors and business community to come and invest in Tanzania because of the historic ties between the two countries.
He added that his country will collaborate with Tanzania to invest in other sectors as well including health, peace and security. Moreover, President Ramaphosa agreed the proposal from Tanzania to collaborate in ensuring that Kiswahili language is taught in South African public schools.
President Ramaphosa has also assured President Magufuli that South Africa will continue to importing food products from Tanzania. He congratulated Tanzania for producing enough food products.
“We, in Tanzania have decided to buy our products from South Africa. To start with, the country has decided to purchase escort motorcycles that will be used in the 39th SADC summit from South Africa”, President Magufuli said.
