Monday, August 14, 2017

Tanzania to strengthen ties with Egypt



TANZANIA and Egypt are set to open a new chapter of more enhanced bilateral cooperation as Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi jets in today for a two-day state visit. The two countries are already working together in various areas, including the health sector that is expected to be enhanced such as the cooperation of Muhimbili hospital and Mnazi Mmoja hospital with El Shatby hospital under Alexandria University in Egypt. While in the country President Sisi will hold talks with his host, President John Magufuli on bilateral cooperation, economic and regional issues. Statistics from Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) show that Tanzania has signed a total of eight projects worth 887.02 million US dollars, providing employment to 953 locals in a period of 27 years from 1990 to 2017 in the agriculture and industries. 


The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

Another issue that might likely rear its head in the discussion between the two heads of State is the water security in the Nile Basin as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia’s flagship energy project nears completion. GERD, a project being primarily self-financed through purchase of government bonds by banks and private citizens is set to be the largest hydroelectric power station in Africa and whose water source is the Nile Basin which passes through 11 African countries, including Tanzania. According to reports, Cairo is concerned that the GERD will impact its own downstream hydropower stations, primarily the High Aswan Dam (HAD), as well as its irrigation systems. Egypt is currently a member of the UN Security Council, representing Africa, and has recently been pushing for stronger trade with other countries on the continent. The Tanzania visit is part of a tour of four African countries, including Rwanda, Gabon and Chad.

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