HAVANA, Nov 7 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — Tanzanian Pres Samia Suluhu Hassan has arrived in Havana, Cuba for a three-day state visit, which is highly anticipated to unlock socio-economic opportunities and strengthen the historic diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo is already in Havana, in preparation for the historic visit.
While in Cuba, Samia is expected to hold talks with her host, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez on Thursday.
She will have the opportunity to lay a wreath at the José Martí Memorial, as a sign of honouring the hero of the Cuban nation and unveil the statue of the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in the special area of African Heroes in Havana.
The visit, along with other issues, will focus more on bilateral cooperation and global challenges that require joint solutions for the benefit of all parties.
Also, it aims to enable Tanzania and Cuba to continue to develop their historical and diplomatic relations as strategic by opening new avenues of cooperation with economic and social interests.
Commenting on the significance of this historic trip, Political Analyst Dr Adam Mnyavanu from the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA), said that the visit underscores Tanzania’s commitment to fostering the long-standing bilateral cooperation initiated by the nation’s founding fathers, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Fidel Castro.
“The visit brings to life the historical memories, when the two countries shared similar socialist ideologies. It also highlights the enduring collaboration between Cuba and Tanzania in advancing education, health and agriculture through various personnel exchanges,” Dr Mnyavanu told the ‘Daily News’.
He noted that the trip is expected to create jobs for Tanzanians by enhancing cultural relations, particularly through the Kiswahili International Symposium, which President Samia will attend on Friday.
Dr Mnyavanu pointed out that citizens can seize emerging opportunities from the symposium, such as teaching Kiswahili in Cuba and other Caribbean countries. Kiswahili is already offered at several Cuban universities, including the University of Havana.
He added that the Kiswahili International Symposium will significantly enhance people-to-people relations, facilitating future collaborations in major arts and sports projects, such as book writing.
Historically, he said that former President Castro supported Nyerere’s efforts in advocating for the decolonisation of the Global South.
For nearly six decades, the two countries have maintained a friendship characterised by collaboration in various sectors, including politics, education, tourism, agriculture and health. The upcoming visit is expected to elevate these ties to new heights.
Looking ahead, Dr Mnyavanu suggested that both countries explore new areas of collaboration, such as joint research in defence, education and agriculture for mutual development.
Director for Research, Innovation and Community Engagement at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Dr Delphine Kessy, praised President Samia for her participation in the Kiswahili International Symposium, noting that her presence there reflects the country’s commitment to promoting its language and culture.
“With President Samia’s attendance, I expect the news of the event to reach far beyond the Caribbean Region,” Dr Kessy stated.
She anticipates that the symposium will attract a significant number of tourists from Caribbean countries, including Cuba and the Bahamas, who want to learn about the origins of the Kiswahili language.
Dr Kessy believes the visit will allow Tanzania to adopt new strategies from Cuba to enhance its tourism sector.
Economist and Investment Banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo said that the visit will enhance trade, investment, education, healthcare, research and agriculture for the benefit of both countries.
“Dr Samia’s state visit is timely and will build on the discussions held in January this year, when the Cuban Vice-President Salvador Mesa visited Tanzania,” Dr Shayo remarked.
During Mesa’s visit, which was hosted by his counterpart Dr Philip Mpango, the two nations signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and Cuba’s University of Artemisa Diaz Gonzalez, as well as the Tanzania Medical Department Authority (TMDA) and Cuba’s Centre for State Control of Medicines and Medical Devices, thereby enhancing cooperation in education and healthcare.
Moreover, Dr Shayo said that Dr Samia’s visit will showcase Tanzania’s commitment and support for Cuba, which has endured over 60 years of economic blockade, resulting in significant challenges. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
