ARUSHA: THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC) pledged on Friday to maintain and strengthen existing cooperation with Tanzania as a way of pushing for sustainable development in the two blocs.
The President of Comoros, Mr Azali Assoumani, representing SADC, and Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, representing EAC, said the Union stands as a good example and one of the dreams of the forefathers who earlier strived to unite all African countries.
They gave congratulatory remarks at Uhuru Stadium during the celebrations to mark 60 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Mr Assoumani expressed his happiness in seeing the dreams of former African leaders to unite African countries existing through the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. He noted that the Union has laid a strong foundation for social and economic development, not only for Tanzania but also for other African countries.
“This is an exemplary Union in our continent. It has set a strong foundation for the country to make major development steps. The Union has also helped other countries to record both social and economic development,” he noted.
He added, “Tanzania is a peaceful country and a good example when it comes to learning about progress in democracy, economic and social development. Neighbouring countries, SADC members including Comoros, have a lot to learn from Tanzania.”
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President Assoumani highlighted that Comoros shares borders with Tanzania and serves as a model of peace, democracy, and socio-economic development.
“One of the significant attributes I can give to the United Republic of Tanzania is that all of its former leaders have shown humanity, solidarity, and closeness to their neighbours, including my country, Comoros,” he noted.
He added that Tanzania is well known across Africa and beyond for championing the liberation and freedom struggle of other African countries.
“The leaders who came before us laid a strong foundation for close cooperation between our countries and proper approaches to building our economies,” he noted.
Furthermore, he extended his congratulations to the Tanzanians on commemorating 60 years of the Union and pledged to maintain the existing cooperation between his country and Tanzania.
He said, “The cooperation and closeness that exist between us, the leaders, and the citizens are for the broader interests of our countries. That is why I made this journey to participate in the celebration of this anniversary Union of the United Republic of Tanzania. I wish you all happy Union celebrations, and my request is to strengthen our cooperation and brotherhood for the economic and social benefit among us.”
President Evariste Ndayishimiye, while delivering remarks on behalf of the EAC, congratulated Tanzanians on commemorating 60 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, saying the bond is similar to that of the EAC member states.
Mr Ndayishimiye recalled the existing cooperation among African nations in the EAC region, describing it as brotherhood that has endured to this day. He gave an example of citizens living in the border areas of Burundi and Tanzania, who have been cooperating in trade and cultural exchanges, including intermarriages, even before colonial times.
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Furthermore, President Ndayishimiye expressed his appreciation to Tanzania for its contribution in the struggles for freedom against colonial oppression to other African nations and its will to participate in resolving various regional conflicts, including Burundi.
He noted that the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was close to former Burundi leaders during the struggle for freedom, and the good relationship was maintained even after their countries became independent.
He also congratulated Tanzanians for maintaining and protecting the Union and encouraged, saying it is a symbol of hope and solidarity to other African countries, including Burundi.
“Our ancestors once said ‘together we stand and divided we fall.’ Today we are here with you, we stand together in cherishing and celebrating the 60 years of this noble Union. We congratulate you very much, and may God be with you,” said President Ndayishimiye.
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