Tanzania to reopen its embassy in Angola

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has announced plans to reopen its embassy in Angola and appoint a new ambassador soon to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation between the two countries.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the announcement at State House in Dar es Salaam during a joint press briefing with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, who is on a state visit to Tanzania.

President Samia said the decision was part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement and build closer ties between the two countries, which share longstanding historical relations dating back to Angola’s liberation struggle.

She said Tanzania and Angola had maintained cordial relations established by their founding leaders, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Angola’s first President, the late Dr Agostinho Neto.

Tanzania supported Angola during its liberation struggle, which culminated in independence in 1975, and successive leaders from both countries have continued to sustain the relationship.

President Samia commended President Lourenço for his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, citing his invitations for her to visit Angola and attend the inauguration of a hospital named after Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

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She said the hospital’s name reflected Angola’s recognition of the contribution made by Tanzania’s founding President to the country’s liberation struggle.

The reopening of the embassy is expected to provide a stronger platform for diplomatic engagement and facilitate cooperation in trade, investment, energy, mining, transport and other areas of mutual interest.