AICC, CFR sign MoU to strengthen economic diplomacy

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ARUSHA: THE Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) and the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations (CFR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to formalise and strengthen their longstanding collaboration in diplomacy across four strategic areas.

This is part of initiatives to support the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan in promoting economic diplomacy.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held yesterday at AICC in Arusha, the centre’s Managing Director Ms Christina Mwakatobe said the three-year MoU will enable the two institutions to jointly organise conferences, symposiums, dialogues and forums that advance their shared objectives.

“AICC and CFR have been collaborating for a long time, but today we formalise this partnership in key areas. AICC hosts both national and international conferences, and this MoU will further strengthen our role as pioneers in promoting economic diplomacy through conferences,” she said.

Ms Mwakatobe added that the partnership will also focus on knowledge sharing and capacity building through joint initiatives, engaging strategic stakeholders and partners, and allowing either institution’s facilities to be used for official functions.

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She noted that AICC annually hosts around 60 CFR students for field attachments, giving them practical experience in diplomacy through participation in national and international conferences.

For his part, CFR Director Dr Felix Wandwe said the MoU will allow the institutions to jointly offer diplomatic training programmes, enhance their visibility nationally and internationally, and generate revenue, as CFR is a government training, research, and advisory institution.

“These institutions have long promoted diplomacy in the country, operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. This agreement also opens opportunities to collaborate with AICC on areas beyond those specified in the MoU,” Dr Wandwe said.