Singapore President to visit Tanzania

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is set to host Singapore’s Head of State, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, for a historic three-day state visit from June 8 to 10, the first by a Singaporean president since the two countries established diplomatic ties 45 years ago.

The visit, which comes at the invitation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors from both countries.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, the visit reflects the shared commitment of Tanzania and Singapore to advancing a strategic partnership focused on economic growth and development.

During the visit, President Samia and President Tharman are expected to hold highlevel discussions on a broad range of priority areas, including trade and investment, transportation and port development, digital economy, tourism, education, skills development, infrastructure and technological advancement.

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The talks are expected to build on the longstanding cooperation between Tanzania and Singapore, which have maintained diplomatic relations since December 12, 1980.

The two countries have continued to strengthen ties based on mutual respect, equality and shared interests. President Tharman will arrive at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam on June 8 accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and members of Singapore’s business community.

He will be received by Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. On June 9, President Samia will officially welcome her Singaporean counterpart at State House in Dar es Salaam before the two leaders hold a tête-à-tête and later lead official bilateral talks.

They are also expected to jointly address the media on the outcomes of their discussions before President Samia hosts a state banquet in honour of the visiting Head of State. As part of the visit, President Tharman is also scheduled to travel to Zanzibar on June 10 for talks with Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi before departing for Singapore later that day.

The government said the historic visit comes as Tanzania and Singapore celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations and is expected to usher in a new era of cooperation, fostering greater trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges for the benefit of citizens of both countries.