By Egena Sunday Ode
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania in shared aspirations for continental growth and unity.
This, he said, has become necessary since Nigeria shares historic ties with Tanzania, particularly in their roles as frontline states in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
According to a statement by the media aide to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima stated this on Tuesday when he received former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Praising Tanzania’s leadership legacy, VP Shettima said, “Tanzania is one of Africa’s success stories. From Julius Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country has been blessed with exceptional leaders. Tanzania stands as a beacon of hope and stability in East Africa.”
The Vice President said it is important to foster stronger economic and social ties between the two nations, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the statement said.
“With the discovery of significant gas reserves, Tanzania is on a fast track to development. If key African nations like Nigeria and Tanzania succeed, the entire continent will benefit,” he was quoted to have said.
Shettima also praised the Tanzanian government’s support for Nigerian businesses in Tanzania, citing companies like United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, Dangote among many others.
Earlier, former President Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony at the National Defence College, expressed the readiness of that country to strengthen business and diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
“We value the friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania and are committed to strengthening it further,” he said.
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