Media Wire Express Correspondent
Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, arrived in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on September 2, 2024.
He is set to participate in the 9th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6, 2024.
The summit, aimed at promoting cooperation and joint development between China and Africa, will be preceded by preparatory meetings at the level of Secretaries General and Ministers. yesterday, September 2, 2024, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr. Samuel Shelukindo, represented Tanzania at the Secretaries General meeting. Today, September 3, 2024, Hon. Minister Kombo will attend the Ministerial meeting, where priority will be given to discussing and approving the draft agenda for the FOCAC Summit.
Key issues to be addressed at the Ministerial meeting include evaluating the progress of commitments made during the 8th FOCAC meeting, held in Dakar, Senegal. Additionally, the meeting will focus on discussing and adopting a draft declaration and action plan to guide future cooperation between China and African nations.
In addition to his participation in the FOCAC meetings, Minister Kombo is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. These side meetings aim to further strengthen economic and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and these North African countries.
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The FOCAC Summit, which has been held every three years since its inception in 2000, is guided by the theme, “Collaborating to Advance Modernity and Build a Better Society of China and Africa for a Shared Future.” This theme underscores the importance of strengthening cooperation between African countries and China to foster development and mutual benefit.
Upon his arrival at Beijing International Airport, Minister Kombo was received by Tanzania’s Ambassador to China, Hon. Thursday Musa Omar, and the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Hon. Chen Mingjian.
The summit is expected to address pressing issues related to China-Africa relations, focusing on economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The outcome of this summit will set the tone for future engagements between China and African nations, as both sides seek to build a shared future through enhanced collaboration.
