'Working with Russians is not difficult' - Tanzanian President backs stronger Moscow ties
Key Takeaways
- Samia Suluhu Hassan said Tanzania works comfortably with Russian, American, Chinese, European and Asian companies.
- The president highlighted agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare, education and digital transformation as key areas for cooperation with Russia.
- Hassan described Russia and Tanzania's long-standing relationship as a strong foundation for future economic development.
Samia Suluhu Hassan says Tanzania remains open to all partners while seeking deeper economic cooperation with Russia
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said working with Russian companies is no different from working with businesses from other parts of the world, as she outlined plans to strengthen economic cooperation with Moscow.
Speaking in an interview with Russian media published on Tuesday, Hassan said Tanzania welcomes investment from different countries and maintains an open business environment.
"We do have Chinese companies there, around 1,200 plus. We have 420 something American companies. We do have European companies. We have Asian companies. Everybody's in Tanzania. And everybody's working in the sectors of their choice," she said.
"So for us, it's not difficult to work with all of them. We have our own principles. We have our own laws to be followed. We have policies. We are creating a favorable business environment for everybody to be able to work with us in Tanzania."
The president said Russia remains an important partner because of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
"Tanzania has got a place in Russia. We have a legacy, and that's a strong foundation for us to start working on. <...> Historic partnership, friendship. Russia has supported African liberation. So they have this African Development Act. <...> Russia has an intention to support Africa to develop the new economic world order," she said.
Hassan said Tanzania is seeking to build on that relationship through cooperation in key sectors linked to economic development.
She identified agriculture, mining, energy, healthcare, education and digital transformation as areas where Russia and Tanzania can work together.
According to the president, these sectors could help both countries advance strategic and sustainable economic development goals.
The interview was recorded during Hassan's visit to Russia last week, where she held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The trip marked her first visit to Russia and the first by a Tanzanian president in more than five decades.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
