China and Tanzania Celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Ties, Pledge Deeper Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan exchanged congratulations on Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries. In their messages, the leaders pledged to renew the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania and enhance cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

President Xi noted that the bilateral relationship has withstood international changes and grown stronger over the past 60 years, with political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields becoming a model of South-South cooperation. "I am ready to work with President Hassan to renew our traditional friendship, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and further develop the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries," Xi said.

In her message, President Hassan praised China's development achievements and expressed appreciation for China's support of Tanzania's economic and social progress. She reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to unswervingly supporting major initiatives proposed by China, such as the Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative, in order to strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two nations.

Why this matters: The 60th anniversary of China-Tanzania diplomatic ties highlights the lasting strength and significance of the bilateral relationship. As China aims to intensify its involvement with Africa, its long-standing partnership with Tanzania serves as a foundation for expanding cooperation across the continent.

Trade and investment ties between China and Tanzania have been on an upward trajectory. China remains Tanzania's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $7.96 billion from January to November 2023, a 6.8% year-on-year increase. China has also exempted 98% of Tanzania's exported goods from tariffs, facilitating the entry of Tanzanian agricultural products into the Chinese market.

Chinese companies are actively involved in infrastructure development projects in Tanzania, most notably the construction of a standard gauge railway that is expected to boost trade for Tanzania and the wider East African region. The two countries have also pledged to expand cooperation in other key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and digital economy.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister January Makamba, in a separate message, said the deep-rooted brotherhood between Tanzania and China will be carried forward, with both countries working closely together to tackle challenges and achieve common development goals. As China and Tanzania mark this milestone in their diplomatic ties, the partnership between the two nations is positioned to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of China-Africa cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• China and Tanzania celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.
• Leaders pledge to strengthen traditional friendship and Belt and Road cooperation.
• China remains Tanzania's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $7.96 billion.
• Chinese companies involved in Tanzania's infrastructure projects, including a standard gauge railway.
• Partnership between China and Tanzania positioned to shape China-Africa cooperation.