The East African Community (EAC) is determined to overcome challenges that confront the region to move a higher stage of integration.
Addressing the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Dar es Salaam, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, said terrorism and transnational crimes were security challenges facing the region.
“There is closer cooperation between the defence and security organs of our respective countries,” said the premier while delivering the state of EAC address on behalf of the EAC Chair, President John Magufuli at an opening of the 5th meeting of fourth session of the third assembly.
The meeting also witnessed the Minister for Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, taking the oath following his appointment by President Magufuli to be the minister in the docket.
Mr Majaliwa called upon EALA to continue to be people’s assembly and that it must be seen spending more time deliberating on issues of concern to the people of East Africa.
“I am aware that during this meeting you will be undertaking several outreach and sensitisation activities. This is the way to go. I urge you to do more of this all over East Africa,” he said.
Premier Majaliwa also said EAC should maintain constant orientation as a decisive organisation with results focused appreciation of the mission in practical, measurable and demonstrable intervention.
“We must leave no doubt as to seriousness of purpose and commitment to protect our sovereignty and promote peace, security, stability and development in the East African region,” he said.
Mr Majaliwa pointed out a number of achievements recorded by the EAC including the use of One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) maintaining that the OSBPs have minimised delays at cross border points on major transport corridors in the region.
“Out of 15 borders earmarked to operate as One Stop Border Posts in the region, seven have been completed and four are operating as One Stop Border Posts using bilateral agreements,” he observed.
Mr Majaliwa mentioned the four operational One Stop Border Posts as Gisenyi/Nemba, Rhuwa, Holili/Taveta, and Rusumo.
Earlier, while welcoming Mr Majaliwa, the EALA Speaker, Mr Daniel Kidega, showered praise on President John Magufuli for introducing austerity measures against unnecessary public expenditure and fighting against graft.
“His moto of ‘Hapa Kazi tu’ has been demonstrated by his actions. The measures which have been taken by Dr Magufuli have contributed into the increase of revenue collection in Tanzania,” he said.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga, urged Tanzanians to grab opportunities in the EAC market, saying Tanzania was endowed with many natural resources.
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