Govt commits strong cooperation with diplomats
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has expressed its commitment of continuing to cooperate with partners, including forging international relations, saying the matter falls among its priorities.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr January Makamba expressed the commitment on Thursday when he met with members of the diplomatic corps.
The minister made the remarks after he had his first briefing with the foreign diplomats and international organisations that operate in Tanzania.
“In order to promote mutual economic and social cooperation, which is the cornerstone of sustainable growth, we want to continue to deepen the positive relationships with all embassies and international organisations that operate in Tanzania,” he said.
He said everything would be possible with strong engagement and dialogue supported by great relationships for everyone.
Mr Makamba also vowed to intensify and sustain the practice of holding regular dialogues, including business with diplomats, in order to strengthen the current bilateral relationships.
The minister said he believes that communication with the diplomatic community is crucial to fostering understanding amongst them.
He further noted that there should be a positive outcome and mutual gain from the interaction between government and envoys.
“We (the government) cannot allow you (diplomats) to feel idle or lost. We will use every effort to ensure that your presence is advantageous on both sides.” he stressed.
He said the government will continue to work together and deepen impactful engagement with the members of the diplomatic corps, as well as enhance effectiveness and efficiency to enable them to fulfill their mandate.
Similarly, the minister also listed some achievements reached by the government, including improvements in democracy and political reconciliation, citing the lifting of the ban on political parties to conduct meetings.
He added that bilateral cooperation remains at the centre of Tanzania’s diplomatic engagements, as witnessed in the past years, where a number of successes have been registered through engagements.
He emphasised that Tanzanian bilateral engagements have been significantly enhanced through high-level visits by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has attended international and regional engagements and visited some of the countries in person or by being represented by other leaders.
Moreover, he assured members of the diplomats that Tanzania is eager to deepen cooperation across all sectors and will continue collaborating with them for mutual benefit.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Samwel Shelukindo said the dialogue with diplomats was constructive, insisting that the government will continue to work together foreign missions.
“The meeting today (yesterday) is a resounding demonstration of your willingness to cooperate with the government,” he said.
