Tanzania's Samia Suluhu and Putin chart new chapter on co-operation

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Tanzania's president, Samia Suluhu Hassan and her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education and transport, as Tanzania seeks to expand its economic partnerships with one of the world’s major powers.

The commitment was made during bilateral talks at the Kremlin in Moscow on  Wednesday (June 3) as Samia began a three-day state visit to Russia, the first by a Tanzanian Head of State in more than 50 years.

Media reports from Dar es Salaam state that at the meeting, Putin identified energy, geological exploration, transport and logistics, healthcare and education among sectors with significant potential for expanded cooperation as the two leaders explored ways of strengthening economic relations between their countries.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues and reviewed preparations for the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening relations between Tanzania and Russia. The discussions reflected growing efforts by both countries to broaden economic cooperation and unlock new investment opportunities.

According to Daily News, President Samia described the visit as a historic milestone for Tanzania, saying it presents an opportunity to elevate bilateral relations and promote sustainable development for the people of both countries. “My visit has special historical significance for me personally and for my country.

More than half a century has passed since the last state visit by Tanzania to Russia.  During talks with her host, Samia remarked that, " this is a very historic journey to Russia to discuss various issues of bilateral cooperation as well as sustainable development for our people". 

She said that the last state visit by a Tanzanian leader to Russia was undertaken by the country’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, in 1969.

President Samia said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between Tanzania and Russia while creating new opportunities for trade, investment and development. Earlier yesterday, President Samia laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, paying tribute to millions of Soviet soldiers who died during the World War II.

The memorial, located near the Kremlin, is among Russia’s most revered national monuments and honours servicemen who lost their lives during the war.

Tanzania media reports that Samia also recalled Russia’s support for Tanzania during the country’s struggle for independence and congratulated the Russian Federation on the recent commemoration of the 81st anniversary of victory in World War II.

Welcoming President Samia to Moscow, President Putin said Russia highly values its long-standing relationship with Tanzania and views the visit as an important step towards further strengthening bilateral ties.

Relatedly, Putin stated that bilateral trade between Tanzania and Russia recorded strong growth over the past year.

“Last year, our bilateral trade grew by approximately 20 to 25 per cent, which is a strong result. There is certainly scope to expand trade further, and we have every opportunity to do so.”

He added that the existing growth demonstrates the potential for expanding economic cooperation and increasing commercial exchanges between the two countries.

President Putin also congratulated President Samia ahead of the conferment of an honorary doctorate by the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.

“I understand that tomorrow you will be awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa title by the Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia. Allow me to congratulate you on this achievement in advance,” he said. The award is expected to recognise President Samia’s contribution to leadership, diplomacy and socio-economic development.

The honorary doctorate from the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University)  is in recognition of her leadership, reforms in the education sector and efforts to advance international diplomacy, including through tourism promotion.

Accompanied by senior government officials and business leaders, she is expected to lead a Tanzania-Russia Business Forum aimed at promoting investment, trade and commercial partnerships between enterprises from the two countries. The forum is expected to explore opportunities in sectors including mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, infrastructure development, and energy.

Samia's schedule during the three-day working  visit includes addressing the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), one of Russia’s premier business and investment gatherings that attracts political leaders, policymakers and investors from around the world.

Her delegation is expected to review preparations for the Third Russia-Africa Summit.

Several agreements are anticipated to be reached during the visit, covering key sectors such as higher education, science, information and communication technology (ICT), and investment.