President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi praised bilateral relations between Egypt and Tanzania in Dar El-Salam on Monday and called for closer economic and trade cooperation. "We aspire to reinforce relations between the two countries in order to combat corruption," El-Sisi said, speaking during a press conference with Tanzanian President John Magufuli in the country's capital, where he arrived on Monday. El-Sisi said Egypt aspires to increase mutual investments and trade, especially in fields of agriculture, energy, pharmaceuticals, metallurgical wealth, and sustainable development. He also mentioned the developmental projects that Egypt is carrying out in Tanzania, including those of the Egyptian irrigation ministry, and those by the Egyptian private sector in the areas of construction and infrastructure. "We are taking all required procedures to reinforce the exchange of trade between Egypt and Tanzania," El-Sisi said. The Egyptian president has also praised the role Tanzania plays in several continental areas, such as support for Burundi and as a host of African refugees. El-Sisi said he had invited Magufuli to visit Egypt in order to reinforce bilateral cooperation on the peace and security of the African continent, as well as consultation over regional issues of mutual concern. Tanzania is the first stop for El-Sisi on a four-country African tour this week; he is also scheduled to visit Rwanda, Chad, and Gabon.
