Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE European Union (EU) has praised Tanzania for maintaining its status as a beacon of peace in the Eastern African region, while wishing the country a smooth and fair electoral process in the upcoming General Election to consolidate democracy and economic growth.
Mr Constantinos Kombos, Official Representative of the Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, expressed the EU’s appreciation for Tanzania’s progress in peace and stability during a joint press conference held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kombos, who doubles as the Cyprus’ Minister for Foreign Affairs, is in Tanzania for a three-day visit. “We see Tanzania as an important strategic partner, stable and peaceful country with significant economic and population growth in the region which is facing many challenges,” he said.
Therefore, he assured Tanzania of continued strategic partnerships for mutual development between the East African country and the continental bloc.
Detailing the ongoing bilateral partnerships, he noted that Tanzania has benefited from the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, particularly in developing economic infrastructure and critical raw materials, while emerging as the largest beneficiary of the European Investment Bank in Sub-Saharan Africa.
On improving electoral processes ahead of the upcoming General Election, Mr Kombos expressed the EU’s hope that Tanzania will continue to hold democratic elections, which are vital for advancing socio-economic development.
“As the European Union, we are convinced that credible and transparent electoral process will be key to consolidate a vibrant democracy, you will unlock businesses, trade and investment potentials,” he said.
He also underlined the importance of free and fair election in elevating the country’s efforts in achieving its long-term sustainable development goals.
Mr Kombos said the EU stands ready to support dialogues in efforts of fostering inclusivity for development of all citizens.
“We are committed to dialogues and serious intensified engagement,” Mr Kombos said.
For his part, Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Tanzania and the EU in key areas pertaining to economic transformation, regional connectivity, peace and security and sustainable development.
“Tanzania values the European Union’s continued engagement and constructive approach to supporting Africa-led initiatives in the Great Lakes Region and beyond,” Mr Kombo said.
He underlined the country’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with EU under the European Peace Facility which is poised to advance capacity of the defense and security institutions to contribute effectively to peace support operations and counterterrorism efforts.
Mr Kombo welcomed the EU’s Global Gateway strategy as a timely and relevant framework to support Tanzania’s priorities, saying the continental bloc already is an investment partner supporting key initiatives including the Kakono Hydro Power Project.
He expressed Tanzania’s readiness to submit additional strategic projects under the Global Gateway especially in transport, logistics, renewable energy and digital connectivity.
Regarding diplomatic ties between the two countries, he said Tanzania’s bilateral cooperation with Cyprus dates back to 1979 when the two countries established their diplomatic relations.
He noted that Mr Kombos’ visit is the first of its kind at the level of foreign ministers of the two countries which carries deep symbolic importance and reflects shared aspirations to elevate the diplomatic cooperation among them.
In that regard, he said the two countries revitalised their commitment to collaborate in trade, tourism, maritime transport, vocational training, education and agriculture.
Furthermore, Mr Kombo said the two parties have agreed to launch a Tanzania-Cyprus Business Forum, alongside technical discussions on maritime capacity, structured labour mobility and knowledge exchange, including student visa facilitation.
Notably, the two countries signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen political consultation and support seafarers.
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