Lyn Frans
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba ,arrived in China today, May 16, 2024, to begin an official working visit.
This visit builds on the historic diplomatic cooperation between the two nations and continues the implementation of Economic Diplomacy, focusing on the agreements made during President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to the country from November 2 – 4, 2022.
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Among the important issues expected to be discussed during this visit are the progress of the implementation of strategic projects, including the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) being implemented by the CCECC company, the rehabilitation of the TAZARA railway, and investment in the Liganga and Mchuchuma iron ore mining project.
The Foreign Minister and his host will address key areas of cooperation between China and Africa under the coordination of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Discussions will encompass defense and security issues in preparation for the upcoming Heads of State and Government Summit of the Forum scheduled for later in 2024.
Makamba will also hold talks with other senior government officials and heads of strategic institutions, including the President of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), the President of the China EXIM Bank, and the HUAWEI company.
Similarly, Makamba will engage in discussions with the Ambassadors of the SADC Member States who represent their countries in China.
This year, Tanzania and China are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic cooperation, established by the founding fathers of these two nations, the late Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, Abeid A. Karume and Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and later Supreme Leader Deng Xioping. Mwl. Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Mao Zedong in 1964.
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China and Tanzania ,continue to enjoy a mutual relationship as they maintain a strong and mutually beneficial partnership over the years, with collaboration across a wide range of sectors. The two countries have continued to work together in areas such as health, education, culture, agriculture, ICT, trade, tourism, energy, and infrastructure development.
China has provided significant financial and technical support to help implement numerous important projects in Tanzania. This includes the TAZARA Railway line, Mbarali Rice Farm, Friendship Textile Mills, Kiwira Coal Mine, Chalinze Water Supply Project, the Muhimbili Cardiology Training and Open Heart Surgery Centre, the Agricultural Demonstration Centre in Morogoro, the National Stadium with 60,000 seats, the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, and the new Office Building for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These cooperative efforts have strengthened the economies and social development of both countries. The official visit by January Makamba, is expected to yield further progress and prosperity in the years ahead.
