LUSAKA, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Zambia and Tanzania reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
President Hakainde Hichilema and his visiting Tanzanian counterpart, Samia Suluhu Hassan, made these remarks during a joint press briefing following bilateral talks.
The two leaders also witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) documents aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries in different sectors, including energy, transport, defense and health. The Tanzanian president arrived in Zambia on Monday for a three-day state visit.
In her remarks, the Tanzanian president pledged her government's commitment to enhancing the bilateral cooperation the two countries have enjoyed over the years. She said the signing of the MoUs was a sign of commitment by the two countries to enhance bilateral ties for the benefit of the people of the two countries.
"We reaffirmed our commitment to cherishing and enhancing the bond of friendship built by our founding fathers," she said.
According to her, the two countries had faced trade and logistical challenges in the past and hoped that the agreements would help tackle these challenges.
On his part, Hichilema said he is ready to see the implementation of the various agreements signed, which would enhance cooperation between the two countries. He stressed that the signing of the agreements should not remain on paper, but that the two countries should ensure the implementation of what has been agreed upon to grow the economies of the two countries.
The Zambian president also mentioned that Zambia has much to learn from Tanzania in various areas such as mining, and the two countries have agreed to cooperate in the agriculture sector to ensure food security.
He underpinned the commitment to revitalizing the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) rail line and the upgrading of the petroleum pipeline, which will improve business operations between the two countries. ■