Celebrating 60 years of Tanzania-China friendship: Strengthening ties through art, culture, cooperation

TANZANIA: THE year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania, celebrating six decades of enduring friendship, cooperation and mutual development.

Rooted under the visionary leadership of Chairman Mao Zedong and the late President Julius Nyerere, the relationship stands as a symbol of enduring collaboration and mutual respect at both governmental and people-to-people levels.

Over the years, China and Tanzania have collaborated in key areas, including infrastructure development, trade, agriculture, education and healthcare. Landmark projects such as the Tanzania Zambia Railway (TAZARA), built in the 1970s, symbolise the strength of the relationship and its focus on promoting economic growth and connectivity.

As both nations commemorate this milestone, they look forward to strengthening their bond and advancing cooperation in areas of common interest, reinforcing a partnership that continues to inspire global South-South relations.

To celebrate this milestone, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania recently organised the China-Tanzania Friendship Photography and Video Competition award ceremony. The event aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and promote cultural exchange through the art of photography and videography.

The award ceremony recognised individuals for their outstanding photography and videos, which vividly portrayed the profound friendship and cultural exchange between Tanzania and China.

These visual stories served as powerful representations of the historic bond shared by the two nations and emphasised the transformative role of art in fostering understanding.

Speaking at the event, Tanzania-China Friendship Promotion Association Secretary General Mr Joseph Kahama who was the guest of honour described the competition as a testament to the enduring bond between Tanzania and China.

He lauded the Chinese Embassy’s innovative approach to celebrating the partnership through cultural events, such as the photography competition.

“Photography and videos are unique medium for preserving memories and building cultural connections. This competition underscores the vital role photography plays not only in preserving history but also in building friendships and enhancing cultural understanding between two nations,” said Mr Kahama.

He highlighted the universal language of photography, emphasising its ability to bridge cultural divides, evoke shared emotions and create lasting connections.

Mr Kahama reiterated the importance of continuing efforts to nurture the historic relationship established by the founding fathers of both nations.

“This award ceremony is yet another way of remembering the foundational pillars of this historic and traditional friendship. Cultural events like this provide a fresh and unique perspective on how art can enhance relationships,” he said.

He extended his congratulations to the winners and encouraged all participants to continue using their artistic talents to strengthen the ties between the two countries.

On her part, Ambassador of China in Tanzania, Ms Chen Ming Jian, echoed the sentiments noting that the competition serves as a platform for showcasing the strong bonds between the two nations and the fruitful outcomes of their cooperation.

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“This photo and video competition reflects not only our shared history but also the practical achievements and deep people-to-people exchanges between Tanzania and China,” she said.

She acknowledged the role of young participants in inspiring confidence in the future of bilateral relations, urging them to continue documenting and celebrating the evolving friendship.

Ambassador Chen emphasised the depth of the partnership, citing Tanzania’s export of high-quality agricultural products like cashew nuts and honey to China, as well as major infrastructure projects, including the Magufuli Bridge and Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station.

“China remains Tanzania’s largest trading partner, top investor and primary project contractor. These accomplishments exemplify our shared commitment to mutual benefit and progress,” she said.

At the event, various winners were awarded their prizes as a recognition of their efforts in upholding the China-Tanzania friendship through their impactful photos and videos that told compelling stories.

The awards celebrated creativity and storytelling, highlighting the deep bonds and shared values between the two nations. Through visual narratives, the winners showcased moments of cultural exchange, development projects and personal connections that symbolise the enduring partnership between China and Tanzania.

The ceremony served as a platform to honour these storytellers while inspiring others to continue promoting unity and cooperation through art and media.

The event served as a reminder of the transformative power of art in uniting cultures, celebrating shared history and inspiring future collaborations.

Participants were encouraged to continue using their cameras and creativity to document the journey of friendship between Tanzania and China, ensuring that this relationship remains a model of mutual respect and cooperation for years to come.