Tanzania and Burundi have begun the Seventh Meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPC) in Bujumbura, Burundi. The meeting, taking place from September 29-30, 2026, aims to review the implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements and develop strategies to strengthen economic and social ties between the two countries. The JPC is discussing strategic issues of mutual interest, including trade and investment, transport and infrastructure, agriculture, energy and electricity, minerals, defence and security, health, education, science and technology.
The meeting seeks to identify new areas of cooperation and establish specific implementation measures to expand trade and investment opportunities, strengthen people-to-people relations, and promote economic and social development in both countries. The Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation is one of the key government mechanisms that enables Tanzania and Burundi to monitor the implementation of bilateral agreements and address challenges arising from their cooperation.
Charles Ngeleja Kadonya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs, thanked the governments of Tanzania and Burundi for continuing to recognise the importance of the Commission's meetings. He said the JPC plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation between the two nations.
The Tanzanian delegation to the meeting is led by Charles Ngeleja Kadonya and includes Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Franklin Jasson Rwezimula; Tanzania's Ambassador to Burundi, Ambassador Gelasius Gaspar Byakanwa; and Director of the Africa Department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Ali Bujiku. The delegation also comprises senior officials from various government ministries and institutions.
The two-day meeting is expected to enhance cooperation between Tanzania and Burundi in various sectors. It will provide a platform for the two countries to discuss challenges and opportunities in their bilateral relations. The meeting is also expected to strengthen people-to-people relations and promote economic and social development in both countries.
The JPC meeting is a significant step towards strengthening the long-standing relations between Tanzania and Burundi. The two countries have been cooperating in various sectors, including trade, investment, and infrastructure. The meeting will help to identify new areas of cooperation and establish specific implementation measures to expand trade and investment opportunities.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of both Tanzania and Burundi. The two countries are expected to benefit from the meeting through increased cooperation and strengthened relations. The meeting will also help to promote regional integration and cooperation in East Africa.
Key points
- Tanzania and Burundi have begun a two-day meeting to review bilateral cooperation and strengthen economic and social ties.
- The meeting aims to identify new areas of cooperation and establish specific implementation measures to expand trade and investment opportunities.
- The Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation between Tanzania and Burundi.
