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Tanzania, Somalia Presidents hold bilateral talks to advance ties

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Tanzania. (X/January Makamba)

By Hassan Mohamed | 27 Apr 2024

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania on Saturday hosted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and his delegation and held bilateral talks to advance the political, security and economic ties between the two countries.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

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President Hassan had joined other leaders in attending the anniversary. Upon his arrival at State House, the Somalia President inspected a guard of honour.

Tanzania's Foreign Minister January Makamba confirmed the two leaders met at the State House in Dar es Salaam and said President Suluhu promised to help Somalia's nation-building efforts.

In a message posted on his X account, Tanzania's Foreign Minister Makamba said he will be visiting Somalia in July as part of Tanzania's efforts to cement its relations with Somalia.

“Today, H.E @SuluhuSamia hosted H.E @HassanSMohamud, President of Somalia for a State Visit. For Somalis, Tanzania is home. We’re proud of this bond. @SuluhuSamia committed to assisting in Somalia’s nation-building. As follow up on directives by our leaders, I’ll visit Somalia in July,” Minister Makamba said.

Today, H.E @SuluhuSamia hosted H.E @HassanSMohamud, President of Somalia for State Visit. For Somalis, Tanzania is home. We’re proud of this bond. @SuluhuSamia committed to assist in Somalia’s nation-building. As follow up on directives by our leaders, I’ll visit Somalia in July. pic.twitter.com/YUCj8BOVoF
— January Makamba (@JMakamba) April 27, 2024

President Hassan thanked President Suluhu and her government for the warm welcome and said Somalia and Tanzania enjoy strong relations.

President Hassan's office later said the two leaders led their respective delegations in bilateral talks to further advance political, security and economic ties between the two countries.

“President Hassan Sheikh stressed that in the wake of the weakening global economy and geopolitical uncertainty, our strong and sincere partnership for growth and development will benefit Somalia and Tanzania,” he said after the meeting.

President Hassan thanked President Suluhu for “their unwavering support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, further underscoring that this level of solidarity is clear evidence of Tanzania’s strong commitment to standing with the Somali government and people in times of difficulty and ensuring that international law and order is upheld”.

Somalia and Tanzania are both members of the East African Community.