The Ambassadors of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sweden to the United Republic of Tanzania have presented letters of credence appointing them as their countries’ representatives to the East African Community.
The Zimbabwe Ambassador to Tanzania H.E Chimonyo was the first to present his letter of accreditation to the EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera appointing him as his country’s envoy to the bloc.
Amb. Sezibera warmly welcomed the Zimbabwe envoy and said he considers Zimbabwe as part of EAC region because of the rich history between Zimbabwe and some of the EAC partner States.
The Secretary General welcomed the move to enhance cooperation between the EAC and Zimbabwe.
The EAC Chief appraised the Zimbabwe Ambassador on the progress being registered by the Community so far, including the coming into force of Protocols on the Customs Union and Common Market, and the ongoing negotiations on the protocol to establish a Monetary Union.
He also informed the Ambassador about the Tripartite initiative especially the negotiation to establish a grand Free trade area between three regional blocs; EAC, COMESA and SADC.
The Zimbabwean Envoy lauded the progress registered by the Community and said it was important for his country to build a stronger relationship with the regional bloc.
He said Zimbabwe was already enjoying strong relationships with individual EAC Partner States.
The Sweden Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Republic of Tanzania H.E Lennarth Hjelmaker was the second to present his accreditation to the EAC Secretary General.
In the accreditation letter, the Sweden Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Carl Bildt informed the Secretary General of EAC that H.E Lennarth Helmaker had been appointed as Permanent Representative to the East African Community.
Ambassador Helmaker noted the progress in integration process of EAC and re-affirmed to the Secretary General his country’s continued support to the EAC Project and programs.
‘’We are very happy today to formalize our relationship with EAC and am looking forward to a strong partnership in the development of the regional bloc’’, asserted the Swedish Envoy.
Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera welcomed the move to enhance cooperation between the EAC and Sweden and appreciated the support accorded to the Community by Sweden especially through the EAC Partnership Fund.
Amb. Sezibera briefed the Swedish Envoy on the developments in the integration process.
He informed the Ambassador that the move towards a single customs territory was high in the region’s agenda; as well as implementation of the Common Market Protocol.
The region was also focussing on infrastructure development, energy, rail, and conclusion of the negotiations of the Protocol on the East African Monetary Union by the end of this year.
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