South Africa and Tanzania will convene a regional meeting in August this year to discuss the threat posed by piracy to regional security and economic stability, said Tanzanian Minister of Home Affairs, Shamsi Vuai Nahodha in Pretoria.
Minister Nahodha was jointly briefing the media following a bilateral discussion with South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria.
“We realise we must work together to fight piracy in order to save our economies. We therefore thought it is necessary for our countries to discuss the challenges of piracy in our region. We agreed we will convene a regional meeting in August this year,” said Minister Nahoda.
The two Ministers were meeting to, amongst others, discuss a comprehensive approach towards immigration in the region as well as the implementation of the visa waiver agreement between the two countries finalised in 2007.
On the issue of the visa waiver between the two countries, “South Africa has extended the visa waiver to holders of ordinary Tanzanian passports. South Africa had previously extended the visa waiver to holders of Tanzanian diplomatic and official passports,” said Minister Dlamini Zuma.
"We appreciate this decision taken by South Africa. Tanzania has to reciprocate this decision. We hope to finalise this matter by the end of this month,"said Minister Nahoda.
On the issue of immigration and in line with the Southern African Development Community Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons signed in 2005, both Ministers Dlamini Zuma and Nahoda agreed that it is not uncommon for citizens in the region to seek opportunities in other countries. However, those who enter countries illegally for nefarious purposes should be stopped.
Minister Nahoda is expected to depart from South Africa on Thursday, 19 May 2011.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Manusha Pillai
Cell: 082 389 3587
South Africa and Tanzania to convene regional meeting to discuss piracy
