Somalia and Tanzania to resume direct flights, reopen Dar embassy, and deepen bilateral ties
Current talks between the two governments include proposed agreements in immigration, education, aviation, fisheries, and agriculture.
Somalia and Tanzania have agreed to restart direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral relations. The announcement was made on Tuesday during celebrations of Somalia’s 65th Independence Day in Tanzania, which also featured the official reopening of the renovated Somali embassy in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, confirmed that both governments have agreed to update their bilateral air service agreement.
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The plan is to launch direct flights that will eliminate the need for layovers in cities such as Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
“The move will ease travel and boost trade, tourism, and cargo movement,” said Mahmoud.
Expand collaboration
He also stated that the renewed aviation agreement is part of wider efforts to expand collaboration in other sectors, including trade, education, security, and tourism.
The event was attended by a high-level Somali delegation led by Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, which also included six cabinet ministers and six members of parliament.
Minister Ali welcomed the reopening of the embassy and described it as a signal of Somalia’s renewed global engagement.
He said that Somalia, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership, had made progress in rebuilding institutions and advancing national reconciliation.
He also reflected on Somalia’s historical contribution to peace efforts in Africa, including its role in mediating the conflict between Uganda and Tanzania.
The Somali foreign minister acknowledged the Somali diaspora in Tanzania as a key link between the two nations.
He announced plans to form a Joint Ministerial Commission and a Parliamentary Friendship Committee to oversee cooperation.
Current talks between the two governments include proposed agreements in immigration, education, aviation, fisheries, and agriculture.
Both sides are working to create a framework for structured engagement in these areas.
The ministers also emphasised Somalia’s recent admission into the East African Community (EAC) as a major development in regional integration. They expressed optimism that this will open opportunities for closer collaboration between Somalia and EAC member states.
With direct flights set to resume and the embassy now reopened, both countries are moving forward with concrete steps to strengthen ties.
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