The two leaders who met on the sidelines of the 17th EAC Summit at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge in Arusha, said their governments have a common vision to facilitate trade to boost economic growth and create employment for youth.
“We want to take our friendship and relations to higher levels by implementing projects that impact positively on the lives of our people,” the two leaders said.”
In a joint press briefing after a 30-minute closed-door meeting, the two leaders said roads connecting Kenya and Tanzania are being upgraded to improve on the movement of goods and people.
Presidents Kenyatta and Magufuli will on Thursday launch the construction of the Arusha-Tengeru Dual Carriageway and Arusha Bypass Road at Tengeru in Arusha Region.
The road is part of the multinational Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Voi road linking Tanzania to the Northern infrastructural corridor at Voi.
President Kenyatta and immediate former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in May last year launched construction of the 90KM Mwatate-Taveta on the Kenyan side.
President Kenyatta said they discussed issues that touched on the lives of the people of the two countries.
“I and my friend and brother President Magufuli have similar visions for our countries. We are targeting development projects that grow the economy and eradicate poverty,” the President said.
On his part, President Magufuli assured that his government remained committed to East African integration and will continue to provide a condusive environment for investors.
“Tanzania is committed to full East African integration. Our forefathers did they bit. Let use strive to ensure citizens reaped maximum benefits from their sacrifices,” he added.
President Magufuli added that the founding fathers of Kenya and Tanzania had laid firm foundations for the two countries and it was the role of today’s leaders to build and progress on that foundation.
“Our forefathers did their bit. We the current leaderships in the two countries should strive to ensure citizens reap maximum benefits from their sacrifices,” he added.
President Magufuli also said his government would soon sell surplus electricity to Kenya through Namanga.