Somalia, Tanzania resume direct flights to boost trade, tourism.

Somalia, Tanzania resume direct flights to boost trade, tourism.

 Somalia and Tanzania have agreed to resume direct flights between Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam, to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. “Improving air connectivity is not just a logistical feat; it is a lifeline for trade and tourism,” said Dr. Bindi Hazara Chana, Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism and Resources.

The resumption of direct flights is expected to eliminate the need for connections via Nairobi or Addis Ababa, significantly reducing travel time and costs. The move is expected to boost economic growth and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The agreements also extend to defense and security, with the two countries committing to strengthening counter-terrorism and border management efforts. The cooperation aims to address threats such as organized crime and militant activity, particularly in light of the ongoing battle in Somalia against Al-Shabaab. Tanzanian authorities have pledged to assist Somalia by sharing intelligence and providing scholarships for Somali students in security and law enforcement training.

The two countries plan to work together to improve public health and medical advancements in healthcare, and address long-standing challenges in both countries. Somali Health Minister Dr. Abdi Adem and Tanzania’s Deputy Health Minister Dr. Godwin Mulil stressed the importance of this partnership in addressing pressing healthcare issues.

This is the first visit by a high-level Tanzanian delegation to Somalia since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. The two countries share a history of cooperation, including Somalia's mediation of a peace agreement between Tanzania and Uganda in 1972, which delayed a five-year regional war.