Indonesia and Tanzania Strengthen Bilateral Ties Across Various Sectors

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: During a joint press statement at the Bogor Presidential Palace, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed that Indonesia and Tanzania are set to enhance their bilateral cooperation with a focus on diverse sectors such as trade, investment, oil and gas, agriculture, and health.

President Jokowi emphasized the strengthened friendship between the two nations following the visit of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Indonesia. The leaders have agreed to solidify their relations by establishing concrete cooperation in key sectors, marking a significant step forward in diplomatic ties.

As part of the collaborative efforts, Indonesia will host the Indonesia-Africa Forum II this year, aiming to further strengthen its relations with African countries, with Tanzania as a key partner.

President Jokowi highlighted the discussions with President Hassan, outlining measures to intensify bilateral cooperation. The leaders have initiated negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost the volume of trade transactions between the two nations, with the PTA launch scheduled for this year. Additionally, efforts are underway to formulate a bilateral investment treaty to ensure the protection of investments.

Both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation in the natural oil and gas sectors. Indonesia, represented by state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, will support the capacity building of 100 workers from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Cooperation.

In the agriculture sector, Indonesia expressed its commitment to collaborating with Tanzania, including assistance in revitalizing the Farmers’ Agriculture and Rural Training Center in the Morogoro region.

Health cooperation is another focal point, with both nations aiming for intensive coordination between the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and the Tanzanian Medicine and Medical Authority. This collaboration aims to expedite the registration process of pharmaceutical products, ensuring swift access to essential healthcare items.

President Jokowi concluded by expressing optimism about the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and the tangible outcomes expected from the strengthened cooperation between Indonesia and Tanzania.