Tanzania, Russia cherish their strong cooperation as it goes past the Diamond Jubilee

ARUSHA: TANZANIA and Russia have reaffirmed their long-standing economic cooperation, with senior government officials and business leaders calling for stronger trade and investment partnerships during the Tanzania–Russia Business and Investment Forum held at the Arusha International Conference Centre.

Speaking during the forum organised by the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment Kitila Mkumbo said Tanzania and Russia have enjoyed more than 60 years of friendship and cooperation, noting that the partnership would continue to stimulate trade growth between the two countries.

The forum formed part of the Third Session of the Tanzania–Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Investment, which brought together experts and business representatives from both nations.

It was also attended by Russian Minister for Economic Development Maksim Reshetnikov, who led a large delegation of investors and officials from various sectors.

ALSO READ: Tanzania–Russia Forum seeks more investments in agro-processing, mining, energy sectors

Speaking at the event, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said the planned launch of direct flights by Air Tanzania Company Limited to Russia would further strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment Pius Stephen Chaya described Arusha as not only a diplomatic hub, but also one of Africa’s leading tourism and conference destinations.

“Arusha is the gateway to some of the world’s most iconic tourism attractions, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park,” Dr Chaya said.