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SA, Tanzania to elevate political, economic relations

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South Africa and Tanzania are set to elevate their political and economic relations to a higher level when President Jacob Zuma and his counterpart John Magufuli meet on Thursday.

President Zuma will fly to Tanzania on Wednesday evening on a two-day state visit.

Both presidents will preside over the signing of a Bi-national Commission which will monitor relations and economic activities between the two republics.

The two countries have longstanding relations forged during the struggle days.

Tanzania used to be the second home for many exiles and the famous 1969 Morogoro Conference that shaped the direction of the ANC took place under the watchful eye of then ANC President, Oliver Tambo, and the first Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.

Now, with a two-way trade of R10 billion, Tanzanians are hopeful the meeting between the two presidents will expand economic opportunities for the two nations.

But in a twist of tragic coincidence, the two countries are reeling from bus accidents that claimed lives of many school children.

Transport Minister Joe Maswangayi will form part of President Zuma’s delegation to exchange views with his counterpart.

The state visit will see the elevation of relations between the two countries to a Bi-National Commission to be co-chaired by both presidents.

There will also be a Business Forum which will be used to identify economic opportunities

International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says, ”Bi-National Commission is the highest level of commitment of heads of state to deal with issues; politically, economically, security and development. And the BNC is led by presidents. So, it gives them an opportunity to meet annually.”

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane also says the visit will seek to unlock human capital of the two nations with skills transfer high on the agenda.

”The Excellences will also focus on real tangible joint projects that enhance trade and investment and they will also focus on the transfer of skills.”

There will also be a Business Forum which will be used to identify economic opportunities.

And while political relations between the two countries are well documented, analysts say there is a lot more room to increase economic activities insisting that this forum could well be that platform.

– By Ntebo Mokobo

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