President Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart, Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan, yesterday held bilateral talks in Dar es Salaam, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy, trade and regional security.
President Museveni, who was on a one-day working visit to Tanzania at the invitation of President Samia, was received at State House, where the two leaders reviewed progress on key joint infrastructure projects and discussed ways to deepen economic integration.
A major focus of the meeting was the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a flagship project linking Uganda’s oil fields in Hoima to the Tanzanian port of Tanga. The two presidents assessed progress on the pipeline and reiterated their resolve to ensure its timely completion as Uganda prepares to export its first commercial oil.
The leaders also discussed broader energy cooperation, including proposals for refined petroleum and natural gas pipelines, which are expected to enhance energy security and boost industrial growth in the region.
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Trade and transport featured prominently in the talks, with emphasis placed on improving Uganda’s access to Tanzanian ports, particularly Dar es Salaam and Tanga, as well as strengthening rail and road links to facilitate cross-border trade.
On regional security, President Museveni and President Samia underscored the need for continued cooperation to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, noting that security remains critical for economic development and regional integration.
The meeting comes at a time when Uganda and Tanzania are seeking to accelerate joint projects under the East African Community framework. Observers say the talks highlight the growing strategic partnership between Kampala and Dar es Salaam, particularly in energy and infrastructure development.
President Museveni’s visit is also his first official foreign engagement since recent political developments in the region, underscoring the importance Uganda attaches to relations with Tanzania.
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