Tanzania and Rwanda have taken notable steps to reinforce their bilateral relations through a series of agreements focused on transport, trade, and cultural exchange.
These developments according to Rwanda Inspirer, were announced during the 16th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) meeting held in Kigali.
Key highlights of the meeting included plans to deepen air connectivity, enhance railway infrastructure, and promote Kiswahili as a tool for regional integration.
The agreement was signed by Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
According to Xinhua, Nduhungirehe lauded Tanzania’s support for Rwanda’s economic development, especially through operations at the Dar es Salaam Port, which currently handles more than 70% of Rwanda’s international cargo.
Minister Kombo highlighted that Rwanda is one of Tanzania’s primary aviation partners, noting the efficiency of daily RwandAir flights between the two nations.
He revealed that 90% of the Tanzanian delegation to the JPC arrived via RwandAir, and expressed optimism about Air Tanzania resuming flights to Kigali and launching cargo services to further boost trade.
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A major infrastructure initiative discussed was the proposed standard gauge railway (SGR) to connect the two countries. Feasibility studies and planning are underway, with both governments aiming to ease the movement of goods and people also on the agenda was Language diplomacy.
Minister Kombo commended Rwanda for recognizing Kiswahili as an official language alongside English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
He noted that Tanzania, as host of several continental Kiswahili institutions—including those of the East African Community and the African Union—would support Rwanda with Kiswahili teaching materials and instructors.
Citing UNESCO, Kombo shared that Kiswahili is now spoken by over 200 million people across Africa, making it the most widely spoken language in East and Central Africa.
Beyond infrastructure and culture, both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in areas such as defense, agriculture, tourism, ICT, health, and energy. These measures signal a broader commitment to strengthening East African regional integration and socio-economic development.
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