Beijing, China – In a pivotal meeting during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his commitment to strengthening ties with Tanzania, aiming to make the bilateral relationship a beacon for China-Africa cooperation and a model within the Global South.
Welcoming Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Beijing, Xi highlighted the significance of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. “China and Tanzania have respected and trusted each other on the road to national revitalization, working hand in hand on the journey toward modernization,” Xi remarked.
Emphasizing a shared future, Xi called for enhanced exchanges in state governance and deepened political and strategic mutual trust. He underscored the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation, stating that China is ready to work with Tanzania to advance their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, ultimately benefiting the peoples of both countries.
Revitalizing Key Infrastructure Projects
President Xi proposed seizing the opportunity presented by the summit to make new progress on the revitalization project of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway. He emphasized the potential of jointly improving the rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa, which could significantly boost regional connectivity and economic development.
Referencing the Dar es Salaam Consensus published in March by Chinese and African scholars, Xi noted the alignment of China-Tanzania relations with the broader development and growth trends of the Global South. He affirmed that the partnership between China and Tanzania is in step with the historical trajectory of nations seeking collective progress.
A Trustworthy Partnership
President Hassan expressed confidence in the summit’s ability to deepen friendly cooperation between Africa and China. She highlighted the effectiveness of China in promoting Africa’s industrialization and agricultural modernization processes.
“China is Tanzania’s trustworthy and indispensable partner,” Hassan stated. She called for continued expansion of practical cooperation in various fields and actively advancing Belt and Road cooperation to bring tangible benefits to the people.
During the summit, China and Tanzania are set to sign several bilateral cooperation documents in areas including connectivity and trade in agricultural products, signaling a commitment to further strengthen their partnership.
Looking Ahead
The meeting between Xi and Hassan signifies a mutual dedication to fostering a model of international relations rooted in respect, mutual trust, and shared development goals. As both nations collaborate on key projects and initiatives, their partnership is poised to contribute significantly to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
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Xi calls for building China-Tanzania ties into model for cooperation
cgtn.com
