Vice President Kashim Shettima, yesterday, called for strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania in shared aspirations for continental growth and unity. 
 
This, he said, had become necessary since Nigeria shares historic ties with Tanzania, particularly in their roles as frontline states in the fight against apartheid and colonialism.
 
The Vice President stated this when he received former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Praising Tanzania’s leadership legacy, Shettima said: “Tanzania is one of Africa’s success stories. From Julius Nyerere to Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country has been blessed with exceptional leaders. Tanzania stands as a beacon of hope and stability in East Africa.” 
 
Earlier, former President Kikwete, who was in Nigeria for the convocation ceremony of the National Defence College, expressed the readiness of that country to strengthen business and diplomatic ties with Nigeria. 
 
“We value the friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and Tanzania and are committed to strengthening it further,” he said. Kikwete acknowledged the role of the Nigerian National Defence College in training Tanzanian military personnel, expressing optimism for deeper ties in defence, trade and diplomacy.
 
Both leaders stressed the importance of revisiting outdated agreements and scaling up bilateral relations in the spirit of African solidarity.