Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Somalia have taken a significant step in deepening their bilateral relations with the signing of a series of agreements, including the resumption of direct flights between the two countries.
The landmark deal was part of a broader agreement signed during a Tanzanian delegation’s visit to Mogadishu last week.
Led by Tanzania’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, the delegation included key officials such as Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Pindi Chana, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Godfrey Mollel, and leaders from the Tanzanian intelligence and defense sectors.
The delegation held high-level meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama, and Foreign Minister Ahmed Fiqi.
The agreements cover a range of sectors, including tourism, health, environmental conservation, education, trade, immigration, and security.
A particularly notable development is the plan to resume direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Mogadishu, which have been suspended for years.
Currently, travelers must connect through Nairobi or Addis Ababa, a factor that has hindered trade and travel between the two nations.
Officials from both countries’ aviation authorities have agreed to update the existing aviation agreement to facilitate the resumption of direct flights, expected to boost economic growth by reducing travel time and costs.
Somalia's Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Ilyas Ali Hassan, hailed the agreements as a major milestone in the countries' relations.
He emphasised that the deals reflect the strong commitment of both nations’ leaders to enhance cooperation and regional integration.
"This partnership will significantly contribute to regional stability and development," Hassan said.
The agreements also touch on security collaboration, with both countries pledging to strengthen counterterrorism measures and manage legal migration.
Tanzania will support Somalia in improving its border patrols and law enforcement agencies.
The deal is also seen as an effort to address illegal migration, as Tanzania has previously repatriated thousands of Somali migrants found with irregular documentation.
Additionally, both nations have agreed to re-establish the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMCC) next year, a body that will facilitate regular communication and tackle emerging bilateral issues.
The commission, which last existed during Somalia’s Siad Barre regime, will be crucial in formalising cooperation and ensuring swift resolution of challenges between the two countries.
For Somalia, this partnership is a key step in its gradual re-entry into the global stage after years of civil conflict and instability.
The agreements reflect the countries’ shared vision for growth and collaboration, with the potential to transform trade, tourism, and security cooperation in the region.
