Daily News Tanzania
Sylivester Domasa
Speaking shortly after signing the 21 bilateral deals between Tanzania and Morocco in the city yesterday, President John Magufuli said he had principally agreed with his visitor to launch the direct flights between the two cities.
He said the flights will help boost tourist arrivals, with Moroccan figures indicating that last year, the North African country registering 10.5 million tourist arrivals amid the target of 14 million tourists this year.
“There will be direct flights to Rabat…we will enhance cooperation with Royal Air Maroc,” President Magufuli said at State House, noting that the two countries had agreed to strengthen security cooperation, with Tanzania expected to deploy some 150 uniformed personnel anytime next year for an exchange programme.
President John Magufuli told his audience, including Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, cabinet ministers, members of diplomatic mission and business community that the king had agreed to finance construction of the state of the art mosque in Dar es Salaam.
“We are here to build a modern economy,” Magufuli said, insisting that the friendliness between Morocco and Tanzania is deep rooted. At the ceremony, Prof Makame Mbarawa, on behalf of the government, signed an agreement with Moroccan Foreign Affairs Minister Salahddine Mezouar on air cooperation.
The agreement was just after Tanzania Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Dr Augustine Mahiga had inked another deal with Mr Mezouar on economy, science, technology and culture.
ATCL, reopened its domestic flights on October 15, after the government support on the procurement of Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, thanks to President Magufuli’s commitment to revitalise the almost collapsing national flag carrier.
This is the first time King Mohammed VI is visiting the country, thanks to efforts by Tanzania’s Consular General in Morocco, Mr Fouad Mustafa.
Mr Mustafa has reportedly played a significant role in facilitating cordial relationship and cooperation between Tanzania and Morocco, with special focus on foreign relations, security, infrastructure, education and investments as well as private sector development.
