New Delhi [India], October 2 (ANI): General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, has embarked on an official visit to Tanzania from October 2-5, reaffirming the longstanding defence cooperation between the two nations.

During this visit, General Pande will engage in a series of meetings and discussions with Tanzanian dignitaries and senior officers, focusing on strengthening the bilateral defence relationship, read the Ministry of Defence press release.

General Manoj Pande's visit will include stops in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha, where he will interact with various Tanzanian officials.

A significant part of the agenda involves meetings with figures such as Defence Minister Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Chief of Defence Force General Jacob John Mkunda, and President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

General Pande will also address the National Defence College and engage with Major General Wilbert Augustine Ibuge, the Commandant of the college, and faculty members.

Additionally, a meeting is planned with Brigadier General Stephen Justice Mnkande, the Commandant of the Command and Staff College, Duluti, read the press release.

This visit coincides with the 2nd India Tanzania Mini Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEFEXPO) held in Dar-es-Salaam, showcasing India's indigenous defence industry's growing capabilities.

The bilateral defence cooperation between India and Tanzania dates back to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation in October 2003, read the press release.

Both countries have a tradition of offering vacancies to each other in professional military courses, fostering strong bonds and knowledge exchange.

Tanzanian military delegations have been actively participating in events in India, such as Aero India 23, Indo Africa Army Chiefs Conclave-23, and AFINDEX-23, read the release.

This visit by the COAS reaffirms the deep-rooted military cooperation between India and Tanzania and lays the foundation for future collaborations.

The relationship between India and Tanzania in the realm of defence has been robust and fruitful. Over the years, both nations have actively engaged in military cooperation, which has included exchanges of military personnel, participation in UN Peacekeeping training, and visits to each other's countries by military delegations.

This visit by General Manoj Pande further cements the strong defence ties between India and Tanzania and sets the stage for even closer collaboration in the future. (ANI)