Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi, visits Tanzania, to grace Dar Trade Fair
President Samia Suluhu Hassan with the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, hold talks during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 18, 2024. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
- President Nyusi, whose second constitutional term as President of Mozambique expires later this year, is coming to Tanzania following an invitation by President Samia Suluhu Hassan
Dar es Salaam. Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi will be on a 4-day state visit to Tanzania starting today, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has announced.
President Nyusi, whose second constitutional term as President of Mozambique expires later this year, is coming to Tanzania following an invitation by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Mr January Makamba, said on Sunday, June 30 that during the visit, President Nyusi will inaugurate the 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) on July 3.
President Nyusi and his host, President Hassan, will also sign agreements in the areas of health, education and information to strengthen the bilateral relationship between their two countries.
“President Nyusi will also use the opportunity of the visit to officially say goodbye to Tanzanians and his sister, President Hassan,” Mr Makamba said.
He said Tanzania and Mozambique have a unique historical relationship.
“It should be remembered that the [Mozambican] ruling political party, Frelimo, was founded in Tanzania. We believe the visit will strengthen our relationship in many areas,” he said.
Highlighting the growing standing of the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) across Africa and the world, he stated that President Nyusi's official opening ceremony will further elevate the fair's significance, particularly for Tanzanian businesses.
Despite having a long history of cooperation, trade between the two countries remains low.
Tanzania’s exports to Mozambique have decreased from an average of $68.094 million in 2014 to only $17.709 million in 2023, the decrease being attributed to security concerns along the countries’ shared borders.
The main exports are glass and glassware, mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, ceramic products, essential oils, and cosmetics, among others.
Likewise, Tanzania imports from Mozambique averaged $3.402 million in 2023, where the main imports are chemicals, wood, dried leguminous soy beans, and furniture parts.
"Trade between these two countries is currently hindered by security concerns, with many cross-border transactions going unrecorded. Nevertheless, through regional communities, we are committed to bolstering this sector. This visit will also focus on exploring optimal strategies to enhance trade, among other pressing issues," he stated.
