The commitment to form the joint commission was aired at a meeting between President John Magufuliand the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Mikhail Bogdanov.

According to a statement released on March 13 by the Directorate of Presidential Communications said President Magufuli reiterated Tanzania`s commitment to maintaining cordial relations between the two countries. Going forward, the relations will focus on enhancing trade, tourism and social services such as education, health as well as infrastructure development, remarked the President.

“Please take my message to President Putin: It is that Tanzanians love Russia and welcome him to visit our country together with other Russians. We also welcome Russian investors to come and invest in numerous opportunities available in Tanzania for mutual benefit of both of us,” the President was quoted affirming. The aim of the commission is to ensure that citizens of both countries form bilateral relations by harnessing endowments of each country.

For his part, Bogdanov who last visited Tanzania eight years ago; said Russia was committed to strengthening cordial and friendly relations with Tanzania. He stated that the commission was part of his country`s renewed engagement with African countries.

Tanzania and Russia established diplomatic relations 57 years ago and the relationship is still growing strong and benefitting people of both countries. The diplomatic relations was signed two days after Tanganyika had gained her independence from Britain, and since then both countries have enjoyed cooperation in education, stronger economic ties, political dialogue, humanitarian and cultural ties as well as matters of security and counter terrorism. In fact many high profile leaders in the government were educated and today are contributing a lot to social and economic development of the country and the continent.

Within the years, a number of Russian entrepreneurs and tourists coming into the country have increased thus furthering the mutual benefit and partnership. And there is also a people-to-people connection, which makes the diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Russia to grow from strength to strength.

The diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Russia have also reached all parts of the continent. Tanzania being a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) also benefitted from the investment forum which took place in Russia on October 22^nd last year. Russia hosted the Russia- Africa Cooperation forum aimed at improving direct trade with Africa beyond the traditional sectors like mining, and the forum sought to invest in areas like agriculture, industrial production, high technology and transport.

This year, Tanzania like many other African countries is set to attend the Russia-Africa forum which among other things will look at ways to improve business relations of people from this continent and the Kremlin.

Source: The Exchange

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.