Uganda, Tanzania agree to boost cooperation in defense, trade

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Uganda and Tanzania on Wednesday agreed to boost cooperation in defense, bilateral trade, and energy.

According to a joint statement, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan held a meeting in the capital Kampala and discussed bilateral, regional as well as international matters. Hassan was on a two-day state visit to Uganda.

The heads of state also witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on electricity development and defense and security cooperation.

The two East African countries agreed on collaboration in the biopharmaceutical economy and the development of vaccines. It was also agreed that Tanzania will buy Anti-Retroviral (ARVs) drugs from Uganda.

The leaders discussed the export of oil in Uganda through Tanzania, and welcomed the implementation of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Project.

They appreciated the commissioning of the construction of a regional market at the Mutukula border, which will enhance trade and improve the livelihoods of citizens of Uganda and Tanzania, and the wider region.

It was also agreed that Uganda will supply 10,000 tons of sugar to Tanzania.