Rwanda and Tanzania sign deals on agriculture and port services

Rwanda and Tanzania signed two key agreements in Kigali on Saturday to enhance cooperation in agriculture and port logistics.

Rwanda and Tanzania signed two memoranda of understanding on 26 July, aiming to deepen bilateral ties through enhanced agricultural cooperation and the creation of a Tanzania Ports Liaison Office in Kigali.

The agreements were finalised during the 16th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) session between the two nations, with Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, and Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, representing their respective governments.

The ministers underlined the importance of the JPC in expanding diplomatic and economic collaboration. One of the highlights was the plan to set up a liaison office in Kigali to streamline port-related services, particularly those connected to Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salaam, which currently manages more than 70% of Rwanda's international trade.

Speaking at the event, Nduhungirehe acknowledged the port’s importance in Rwanda’s economic trajectory. "We are grateful for the facilitation provided by Tanzania and its critical infrastructure," he said, adding that he prefers to describe Rwanda as a "land-linked country" due to its strong regional partnerships.

The session concluded with a proposal to establish a joint technical committee aimed at resolving trade and transport obstacles for businesses operating in both countries.

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