TZ, China mark 60-year diplomatic relations

CHINA: TANZANIA and China have celebrated their 60 years of unwavering diplomatic relations alongside the launch of the Tourism and Culture Year, accompanied by the official premiere of the film “Amazing Tanzania.”

Speaking at the event held in Beijing, China on Wednesday, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Angellah Kairuki stated that the existing relationship between China and Tanzania has grown and stayed stronger.

She highlighted that the ties between the two nations have spanned decades, as initiated by the Tanzania’s founding father the late President Julius Nyerere and have continued to strengthen under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China.

“As we celebrate 60 years of our relationship, we also commemorate the Year of Culture and Tourism, as announced by our head of states in 2022 during President Samia’s state visit to China,” said Ms Kairuki.

Furthermore, Minister Kairuki expressed her gratitude to President Samia, President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Ally Mwinyi and the renowned Chinese actor Mr Jin Dong for their participation in the production of the film.

Following the premiere of the film “Amazing Tanzania,” Ms Kairuki stated: “the film will showcase and promote Tanzania’s tourism attractions in the Chinese tourism market. “Tanzania expects to receive an increased number of tourists from China after the film’s launch.” The Minister for Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Sun Yeli, emphasized that the longstanding friendship between China and Tanzania was built by the leaders of the past generations of both countries.

He also noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago, China and Tanzania have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have grown stronger.

“Today, as we gather here to launch the Year of Tourism and Culture between China and Tanzania, I hope we can make it a new beginning to further enhance cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation, facilitate mutual visits, exchanges between cultural and artistic institutions, as well as tourism companies and increase the distribution of tourism products,” said Mr Yeli.