Dar Es Salaam:Tanzania has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Angola in oil exploration, processing, and value addition, focusing on a potential partnership in the Lobito Refinery project. This announcement was made by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a press briefing following official talks with Angolan President João Lourenço, who is on a state visit to Tanzania.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Tanzanian President mentioned that the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has initiated contacts to evaluate the possibility of establishing a partnership in the Lobito Refinery project in Angola.
In the mining sector, President Hassan highlighted an agreement between the two countries to exchange experiences and strengthen technical capacity. This includes training small-scale operators, upgrading specialists' skills, and increasing the added value of mineral resources. She emphasized the role of Tanzanian training and research institutions, such as the College of Geology, and the importance of the African Minerals Development Centre in fostering continental cooperation.
On the economic front, President Hassan noted that despite good political relations, bilateral trade and investment between Tanzania and Angola remain limited. To address this, the countries have agreed to organize a business and investment forum to identify opportunities and establish partnerships between Angolan and Tanzanian businesspeople.
Additionally, the two nations have decided to enhance transport cooperation by linking the Lobito Corridor in Angola with Tanzania's Central Corridor. President Hassan expects this initiative to leverage the rehabilitation of the Benguela Railway and the modernization of the TAZARA railway line, improving regional rail connections and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
In aviation, a Bilateral Air Services Agreement was signed to enable direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Luanda. This development aims to ease travel difficulties and boost trade, tourism, and economic activities. The countries also expressed interest in exploring maritime transport cooperation.
In the health sector, President Hassan invited Angola to join African Union initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health. Strengthening bilateral cooperation in this area is expected to enhance health indicators in both countries.
As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, Tanzania plans to reopen its embassy in Angola, with a new ambassador to be appointed soon. President Hassan described President Lourenço's visit as a significant milestone in deepening bilateral relations, recalling the historic ties of friendship and cooperation forged during Angola's liberation struggle.
On regional and international matters, the leaders reviewed the peace and security situation in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region, expressing concern over the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. They discussed the need to support peace efforts and find solutions to conflicts affecting various parts of the continent.
