MWE Correspondent
Dr. Constantinos Kombos, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, will visit Tanzania from July 8 to 10, representing the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The visit, announced by the Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania, aims to deepen the long-standing cooperation between the EU and Tanzania and engage in high-level discussions on pressing regional and global issues.
During his visit to the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam, Dr. Kombos is scheduled to meet with Honorable Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. The agenda also includes consultations with civil society leaders, representatives from the business community, and other influential stakeholders. Key topics will cover EU–Tanzania partnership strategies, preparations for Tanzania’s upcoming 2025 General Elections, economic collaboration under the EU’s flagship Global Gateway initiative, and regional security challenges, with particular focus on the volatile Great Lakes region.
Ahead of the visit, Dr. Kombos described Tanzania as “a trusted and stable partner in a strategically important region.” He underscored the significance of this year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and the EU. “The European Union is committed to scaling up our cooperation—from investing in critical raw materials and fostering digital transformation to supporting democratic values and inclusive growth,” he said. “Together, we can unlock new opportunities that will benefit both Tanzanian citizens and European partners.”
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This visit comes on the heels of Minister Kombo’s recent trip to Brussels in April, where he met with EU leaders including Kaja Kallas and senior officials from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank. Their discussions focused on development finance, infrastructure investment, and strengthening bilateral ties.
The EU Delegation to Tanzania emphasized that Dr. Kombos’ visit is a testament to the mature and strategic partnership that continues to evolve since the two entities first established diplomatic relations in 1975, shortly after Tanzania’s independence in 1961 (History of Tanzania).
Why This Visit Matters
- Democratic Support: Enhancing preparations for the 2025 Tanzanian General Elections, which are critical for political stability in East Africa.
- Economic Cooperation: Expanding collaboration through the EU’s Global Gateway program, aimed at investing in sustainable infrastructure, critical minerals, and digital connectivity.
- Regional Security: Addressing peace and stability challenges in the Great Lakes region, a hotspot for conflict and humanitarian issues.
- Diplomatic Milestone: Celebrating 50 years of EU-Tanzania relations, reflecting decades of partnership in development, trade, and cultural exchange.
This visit highlights the EU’s commitment to nurturing resilient partnerships in Africa, promoting democratic governance, and supporting sustainable economic growth. Tanzania’s strategic location in East Africa and its role in regional peace and security make this engagement particularly significant for both parties.
