DAR ES SALAAM, (HAN) —Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community (EAC), Ilyas Ali Hassan, held a high-level meeting in Dar es Salaam with Ambassador Stephen Mbundi, the Permanent Secretary for East African Affairs at Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Somalia and Tanzania, particularly in implementing the agreements recently signed between the two countries. Both envoys reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within the framework of the East African Community, where Somalia became the newest member state in 2023.
Ambassador Ilyas said the discussions paid special attention to facilitating visa processes for Somali citizens seeking to travel to Tanzania for business, education, and medical purposes. He praised the Tanzanian government for its willingness to prioritize and streamline these procedures, noting that easier movement of people would help boost trade and social ties between the two nations.
The two diplomats also explored opportunities to expand collaboration in key areas such as investment, commerce, tourism, and capacity building. Ambassador Ilyas highlighted Somalia’s growing interest in attracting Tanzanian investors to participate in the country’s rebuilding process and economic recovery efforts.
Additionally, both sides emphasized the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchange, viewing them as essential components of the EAC’s integration goals.
The meeting, described as “constructive and forward-looking,” marks another step in Somalia’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic and economic relations within the East African region following its admission into the EAC.
