Tanzania hails its and longstanding friendship, diplomatic ties with China

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has commended its diplomatic relations and longstanding friendship with China, saying the cooperation has contributed to the country’s development through trade, investment, infrastructure, education and other sectors.

The statement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, who was the guest of honour at a ceremony held recently in Dar es Salaam to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Ambassador Kombo conveyed congratulatory greetings from the President  Samia Suluhu Hassan, to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China on the occasion.

He said Tanzania values the relationship, which has continued to grow and strengthen in various areas, while stressing the importance of using available opportunities to increase trade and investment between the two countries.

“We should use the available opportunities to increase trade and investment between Tanzania and China,” he said.

Ambassador Kombo also urged Tanzanian producers and traders to increase production and improve the quality of their products in order to benefit more from the Chinese market, particularly agricultural products and other goods with export potential.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening transport infrastructure, citing the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) as an important means of facilitating cargo transportation and promoting trade in Southern Africa.

For her part, the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said the Chinese government would continue working with Tanzania in areas of mutual interest.

She said the history of relations between the two countries has been built on mutual respect, stressing China’s readiness to continue efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

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The ceremony was attended by government leaders, ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of various institutions and private-sector stakeholders.

The celebrations come as Tanzania and China continue to explore further opportunities to promote trade, investment and development projects that benefit the people of both countries.