Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA and the United States of America have strengthened their long-standing military ties after signing a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at boosting joint training, knowledge exchange and medical support between the two forces.
The agreement was signed in Dar es Salaam between the Chief of Defence Forces, General Jacob Mkunda, and the Commander of the Nebraska National Guard, Major General Craig Strong, and witnessed by the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, and the Acting United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrew Lentz.
Speaking after witnessing the signing, the minister hailed the agreement as a historic milestone in defence diplomacy between the two nations.
“This step reflects the strong and enduring relations between Tanzania and the United States, particularly between our defence forces,” he said.
Additionally, he thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her guidance that enabled the agreement to be concluded and implemented.
Under the new partnership, the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and the Nebraska National Guard will cooperate in several areas, including joint military exercises, professional training, exchange of expertise, and collaboration in medical services.
Dr Nyansaho noted that the cooperation builds on the long history of friendship between Tanzania and the United States, dating back to the early 1960s, when relations were first nurtured by Tanzania’s founding leader, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
He added that the agreement also reflects the government’s policy of strengthening international partnerships.
The minister pledged that Tanzania would ensure the agreement is fully implemented for the mutual benefit of both countries and their people.
