The 1,860-kilometer-long Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway, stretching from Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and Tanzania. Over the past 48 years, this vital artery has transported more than 30 million tonnes of cargo and carried over 40 million passengers, fueling the economic growth of Tanzania, Zambia, and the surrounding regions.
On Wednesday, leaders from China, Tanzania, and Zambia gathered to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the revitalization project of the TAZARA railway. This initiative aims to enhance the rail-sea intermodal transport network in East Africa, ushering in a new era of connectivity and economic opportunity for the continent.
In a keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the strengthening bonds between China and Africa. He emphasized that both parties are becoming stronger and more resilient together, delivering tangible benefits to their peoples, and setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations.
President Xi announced that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China are elevated to the level of strategic relations. Furthermore, he declared that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations is elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
“In the new era, China has continued to bring new opportunities to African countries,” President Xi stated, “and remains committed to mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual learning, and mutual assistance in growing China-Africa relations.”
The revitalization of the TAZARA railway symbolizes not only the deep historical ties between China and Africa but also a shared commitment to future development and prosperity. As China and Africa embark on this new chapter, the spirit of cooperation and mutual support promises to bring about significant advancements for both regions.
Reference(s):
China, Africa eye new chapter in building community with shared future
cgtn.com
