Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has been awarded the prestigious French Legion of Honour ‘Legion d’ Honner’ by the France President Emmanuel Macron, for his outstanding contribution when serving as Union Minister for Defense and National Service.
The award was presented on Tuesday to Dr Mwinyi by the French Ambassador to Tanzania Mr Frederic Clavie, on behalf of the French President during an event held at the Zanzibar State House.
Dr Mwinyi expressed his sincere gratitude to President Macron for recognising his contribution when he served as Minister for Defense and National Service for approximately ten years. He stated that his government will continue to cooperate with France and also be ready to work with French businessmen and institutions in order to bring development to the people of Zanzibar.
“Zanzibar is stable and peaceful as a result of agreement among our political parties that led to the rebirth of the Government of National Unity (GNU), with the aim to speed up development,” Dr Mwinyi said.
The Isles president also congratulated Ms Aline Coouelle, one of the delegates, for publishing a book that promotes several attractions in Zanzibar internationally.
On his side, Ambassador Clavier recalled that from 2008 to 2014 Dr Mwinyi established close ties between the Tanzania Defense Forces and the French Army. Ambassador Clavier explained that Dr Mwinyi was a good link between Tanzania and France. He said during his period as Minister of Defense and National Service, Tanzania engaged in at least five peacekeeping operations, especially those in Africa, with great success.
“You have done important medical work for a number of years, as a doctor, you have been able to make your scientific contribution, especially at Muhimbili National Hospital, a hospital with which France is closely associated,” said Ambassador Clavier.
In addition, Amb Clavier congratulated President Mwinyi for forming GNU after the 2020 elections. He said that the GNU created an opportunity for important political dialogue, a move that has significantly contributed to the stability of the Zanzibar islands.
“You have truly made history,” stressed Amb Clavier.
He explained that the French Development Agency (AFD), French Companies and the French and Tanzanian Business Community, are ready to support priority development areas of Zanzibar including the blue economy.
Amb Clavier further said that the French Chamber of Commerce will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar Chamber of Commerce, which is a positive trend in France.
At the same time, General Manager of ORYX Gas Company of France Benoit Araman expressed the eagerness of businessmen and investors from France to come and invest in Zanzibar, especially in the power and tourism sectors.
They also expressed their admiration for the efforts taken by Zanzibar in promoting its attractions which they promised to continue to support, where Ms Aline Coouelle has already published a book that advertises Zanzibar.
