Asserting that India and Tanzania have agreed to work closely to combat the twin threats of terrorism and climate change, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said both nations will deepen overall defence and security partnership.
Prime Minister Modi in a press statement along with Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli at the State House in Dar-es-Salaam said both nations reflect issues of common interest and concern.
"Being neighbours across Indian Ocean, President and I agreed to deepen our overall defence and security partnership, especially in the maritime domain. Our in-depth discussions on regional and global issues reflected our considerable convergence on issues of common interest and concern," he said.
The Prime Minister said that both nations have agreed to work closely, bilaterally, regionally and globally to combat threats of terrorism and climate change.
"On climate change, India had led the efforts to form an International Solar Alliance at COP 21 in Paris. In this Alliance, which has the support of over 120 countries, we welcome Tanzania as a crucial partner," he said.
He noted India is already a substantial economic partner of Tanzania, adding the whole range of economic ties are healthy and on upswing.
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"Our two way annual trade stands at around US$ 3 billion. Indian investments in Tanzania already total around US$ 3 billion and Indian businesses in Tanzania continue to grow and expand," he added.
Talking about the discussions which he held with President Magufuli, Prime Minister Modi said the focus was to shape an action oriented agenda of cooperation, common desire of economic prosperity and creating new opportunities for expanding cooperation.
He said that both sides in order to deepen the ties agreed to deepen partnership in agriculture and food security through enhanced export of pulses from Tanzania to India and by working together in development and use of natural gas.
"Three, partner in building of industrial economy, capacities and institutions in Tanzania and four, deepen our trade and investment partnership by encouraging greater industry to industry ties," he added.
Stating India understands the need and urgency to improve the lives of its people like the way Tanzania does, Prime Minister Modi said New Delhi will put all efforts in achieving so.
He said the completion of 100 million dollar water supply augmentation project for Dar-es-Salaam is a good achievement.
"We have just now also signed an agreement on water supply project in Zanzibar for a line of credit of $92 million. We are also working on a number of other water projects for 17 cities. And for this India is willing to consider an additional $500 million line of concessional credit Public Health is another important area of our engagement," he said.
The Prime Minister announced that India is ready to meet the healthcare priorities of the Tanzanian Government, including the supply of medicines and equipment.
"Education, vocational training and skill development are other areas of your priority and where India is willing to offer all possible assistance," he added.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated that India cooperation's will always be as per the needs and priorities of Tanzania.
The visiting Prime Minister and the Tanzanian President earlier witnessed exchange of five MoUs, including visa waiver for diplomatic or official passport holders, LOC of US $92 million for rehabilitation and improvement of Zanzibar's water supply system.