Africa-Press – Tanzania. BEIJING, CHINA: AFTER 60 years of historic relations, Tanzania and China have announced a new era of diplomatic relations aimed at building a better, more developed and secure world.
The declaration was made during a joint meeting in Beijing on Friday, where China’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi and Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, discussed future bilateral cooperation.
Minister Wang praised Tanzania for its steadfast friendship over the past six decades, saying, it has distinguished itself as a friend through thick and thin.
“Tanzania has always been a friend of China. For China, 60 years means a lot in the relationship. The next step after this is to continue this relationship in the new era of building a prosperous, just and safe world for all people,” said Wang.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry website, Minister Makamba is on an official visit to China at Wang’s invitation to celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Mr Wang emphasised China’s willingness to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic alignment, and expand practical cooperation under the guidance of the consensus reached by the two heads of state.
He further appreciated Tanzania’s long-term support on issues concerning China’s core interests and reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.
Mr Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation in key areas such as trade, infrastructure, processing and manufacturing, digital economy, blue economy, and energy.
Minister Makamba also expressed Tanzania’s gratitude for China’s contributions to its development, emphasising the need to address current global challenges.
“China is our friend at all times. It is a friend who is predictable and does not change at all times.
After these 60 years of glorious relationship, now let’s enter a new era of relationship that will focus on the challenges of building a better world than the one that existed at the time of the founders of this relationship,” he stated.
Demonstrating the close relationship between the two countries, Wang announced China’s donation of 500,000 US dollars (equivalent to 1.3bn/-) to assist victims of the recent floods in Tanzania.
Heavy rains, intensified by El Niño, have severely affected several areas in Tanzania. Makamba thanked Wang for the donation, citing it as evidence of the unique friendship between the two nations.
Additionally, the Chinese government extended an official invitation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled for September this year.
The FOCAC meeting, held every three years, is a vital platform for strategic relations between African countries and China.
China has also accepted Tanzania’s request to enhance the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations.
Planned improvements include new buildings, updated curricula and a focus on strategic issues to transform global operations. Dr Salim, a highly respected Tanzanian diplomat in China, has been recognised for his significant contributions to bilateral relations.
During his visit, Makamba, accompanied by Zahor Mohammed Haji, Member of Parliament (CCM-Mwera) and Member of the Standing Committee of Parliament on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, held discussions with institutions and leaders involved in aid to Tanzania, including Exim Bank, which has pledged continued support for strategic projects.
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