Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, meets Liberat Salim Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Republic of Tanzania, in Dar es Salaam.
Wang Yi recalled that Sino-Tanzanian relations have been shaped by an earlier generation of leaders from both countries and have been shaped by generations facing common challenges. China values the traditional friendship with Tanzania and stands ready to continue this tradition with the new Tanzanian government. The two countries should maintain a high level of mutual trust, support each other, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and translate the results achieved at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) into concrete projects that will help the two countries to modernise and prosper.
Minister Wang Yi further said that his visit is the 36th consecutive inaugural New Year visit to Africa by a Chinese foreign minister, sending a clear signal of the enduring China-Africa link. The Chinese side sees cooperation with African countries as mutual support and strives for common development, creating a new all-round community of shared future for China and Africa.
Much emphasis was placed on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), which, according to Wang Yi, is a symbol of friendship between China and Africa and a milestone of mutual cooperation. The two countries are to continue to revive it, create a prosperous economic corridor and promote the comprehensive development of Tanzania, which will benefit the local people and serve as a model for Sino-African cooperation.
Wang Yi also stressed that China and Tanzania, as countries of the Global South, should jointly uphold the role of the United Nations and the authority of international law, promote multilateralism, and strive for a fairer and more effective system of global governance that protects the legitimate interests of developing countries.
On the Tanzanian side, Minister Liberat Salim Kumbo thanked China for its long-term support and generous assistance to Tanzania and other African countries. He stressed that Tanzania-China relations are an example of successful cooperation between Africa and China.
Minister Kumbo highlighted that the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Revitalization Project will contribute significantly to regional connectivity and economic development. Tanzania remains committed to the one-China principle and is determined to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. It also expects to make greater use of China's zero-tariff arrangements for Africa.
He also supported the Belt and Road Initiative and President Xi Jinping's four global initiatives, and expressed his willingness to deepen cooperation within FOCAC, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and jointly safeguard justice, development and prosperity in the region and the world.