Tanzania and Kenya have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with a renewed focus on expanding trade, removing barriers to business and advancing regional development, according to a statement issued over the week-end by Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
The pledge followed high-level consultations between officials from the two countries’ Foreign ministries held in Dar es Salaam over the week-end, where both sides underscored the importance of deepening collaboration anchored in shared strategic interests.
Samwel Shelukindo, Permanent Secretary in Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, said the bilateral relationship remains robust, supported by structured mechanisms such as the Joint Cooperation Commission and the Joint Trade Committee. He noted that ongoing technical engagements are laying the foundation for progress across key sectors, including energy, security, industry and investment.
On his part, Abraham Sing’Oei, Principal Secretary in Kenya’s State Department of Foreign Affairs, revealed that trade between the two nations has exceeded one billion U.S. dollars, urging both sides to intensify economic cooperation to unlock further growth. The discussions also focused on eliminating non-tariff barriers, with both countries committing to swift action aimed at easing the movement of goods and enhancing investment flows.
The renewed engagement reflects a broader regional ambition to consolidate economic integration and position East Africa as a more competitive and interconnected trade bloc.