TZ, Slovakia deepen ties with new embassy
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Slovakia have deepened diplomatic and economic ties following the opening of the Slovak Republic’s Embassy in the country, a milestone expected to unlock new opportunities in trade, investment and development cooperation between the two nations.
The development was accompanied by a Tanzania-Slovakia Business and Investment Forum and the arrival of about 35 Slovak business representatives seeking opportunities in sectors ranging from trade and technology to energy, tourism and education.
The embassy was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Slovakia’s Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Mr Juraj Blanár, and Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. The opening of the diplomatic mission marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and reflects growing interest by Slovakia in expanding its engagement with Tanzania and the wider East African region.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mr Blanár described the embassy as a strategic milestone in Slovakia’s cooperation with Tanzania.
“This is a strategic milestone that reflects Slovakia’s growing interest in Tanzania as a key partner in Africa as it continues to serve as an important hub for diplomacy, trade and development in East Africa, making it a gateway for Slovakia’s engagement in the region,” he said.
ALSO READ: SGR introduces Electric Multiple Unit train between Dar and Dodoma after a surge in passenger demand
He said the establishment of a resident embassy would facilitate direct communication between the two governments and accelerate implementation of joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest. According to Mr Blanár, Slovakia sees significant opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, renewable energy, tourism and human resource development.
He said the presence of a business delegation comprising about 35 representatives demonstrates the strong interest among Slovak companies in exploring investment opportunities in Tanzania. The minister also expressed appreciation to the Tanzanian government for its continued cooperation and reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitment to building a longterm partnership with the country.
On his part, Ambassador Kombo welcomed the opening of the embassy, describing it as a reflection of growing confidence in Tanzania’s economic potential and strategic importance within the region.
He said the move would create additional opportunities for collaboration in both commercial and development sectors while strengthening relations between the two countries. Ambassador Kombo also invited Slovakia to participate in the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 13, 2026, and encouraged Slovak investors and businesses to take advantage of opportunities available in Tanzania.
Speaking during the Tanzania-Slovakia Business and Investment Forum, the two ministers underscored the importance of closer cooperation between the public and private sectors in driving economic growth. Mr Blanár said Slovakia views Tanzania as a strategic partner rather than merely a market and expressed his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation through increased trade, investment and knowledge exchange.
The two leaders also cochaired bilateral discussions covering a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, trade and investment, digital transformation and cybersecurity, tourism, renewable energy, education and health. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
The opening of the Slovak Embassy and the growing interest from Slovak businesses signal a new phase in Tanzania-Slovakia relations, with both countries looking to expand economic engagement and build stronger partnerships across a range of strategic sectors.
