Tanzania, China should explore new areas of relationship centred on sustainable development-Diplomats

DAR ES SALAAM: ACROSS-section of Diplomats and academicians have emphasized the significance of upholding relations between China and Tanzania that have lasted for 60 years.

However, they suggested that more efforts should be made to uphold diplomatic relationships to bring about sustainable development in various areas, including industry and agriculture, as well as addressing climate change matters.

This was unanimously stated by key speakers during the symposium on ‘Uphold the Original Aspiration of Diplomatic Relations, Firmly Adhere to one -China Principle’ held in Chinese embassy, Dar es Salaam.

The conference that was held on Friday evening was part of the continuation of the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania.

One of the speakers, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Liberata Mulamula said it is high time for both countries to look more closely at how to collaborate to achieve sustainable development, especially in areas that did not exist when the two countries are starting collaborations such as climate changes matters that lead to an increase in floods that damage infrastructure.

“The two sides should expand cooperation in key areas such as trade and infrastructure, agriculture and addressing climate change matters that currently impact the country,” the diplomat stated.

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Brigadier General Leonidas, who spoke on behalf of the Commandant National Defence College (NDC) of Tanzania, echoed Mulamula’s views, saying diplomatic relations were initially established to protect national interests, secure alliances, forge trade agreements and promote peace and stability in the international arena.
Adding: “Over time, the scope of diplomacy has expanded to include various other issues such as human rights, environmental protection, global health and economic cooperation, reflecting the changing dynamics of the international system.’

He said the China’s Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) and the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (TPDF)have a multifaceted and cooperative relationship encompassing training, joint exercises, infrastructure development and peacekeeping operations.

He added that the partnership has enhanced Tanzania’s military capabilities and deepened the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

“On behalf of the Commandant NDC, I would like to reaffirm the long existing cordial and strong relationship between Tanzania and China and urge to continue fostering this bond and ensuring that it remains balanced, transparent and mutually beneficial,” he underscored.

For her side, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian noted the historical friendship between two countries can be traced back in 1965 when President Julius Nyerere paid his first visit to China.

She added that during that time both China and Tanzania signed the treaty of friendship between two countries, pledging to support each other on matters pertaining to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and other interests and major concerns.

Coupled with that, she pointed out that the trade between two counties was a necessary part of a collaborative relationship adding the trade volume between them reached 8.7 8 billion US dollars.

For his part, Political Advisor of Chairman of the Board of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Mr Gallus Abedi highlighted some of the fruits of cordial relationship, mutual test, respect and support enjoyed by two countries including infrastructure development such as the construction of Tanzania and Zambia Railway (TAZARA).
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