India, Tanzania ink eight MoUs

India on Friday inked eight MoUs with Tanzania in various fields including Agriculture, Tourism and Hydrography to expand engagement in different sectors.

The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Tanzania Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete here.

The MoUs signed include a loan agreement between Exim Bank and Tanzanian Government on a line of credit for 268.35 million dollars for extension of Lake Victoria pipeline project.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that ways to enhance cooperation in the maritime sector and ocean economy figured in the talks, noting that both the countries have a common interest in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region. Noting that terrorism is a matter of concern for both countries, the Prime Minister also announced establishing of a Joint Working Group to strengthen cooperation in counter terrorism.

Terming Tanzania as an important component in the India-Africa partnership, the Prime Minister said he has conveyed to Kikwete that

India will soon extend e-tourist visa scheme to Tanzanian tourists.

Thanking India for its continued assistance to his country, Tanzania

President said both the nations have decided to take the relationship to the next level.

Kikwete said, India deserves to be a permanent member of expanded UN

Security Council and his country will continue to work with other

African countries to back New Delhi's candidature.