The talks began with a restricted‑attendance meeting and later continued in an expanded format.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues related to the further development of friendly Russian‑Tanzanian relations and included an exchange of views on current international and regional matters.
Prior to the consultations, an official welcoming ceremony took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace. The presidents of Russia and Tanzania introduced members of their delegations, and the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the United Republic of Tanzania were played.
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Beginning of conversation with President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan
President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Madam President, friends,
We are truly delighted to welcome you to Russia. This year we will celebrate the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our countries. We note with pleasure that you chose Russia as the destination for your first state visit abroad following your inauguration. We see this as a very positive sign.
Over the years, and particularly in recent years, during your tenure as Minister and later as Vice President, you have consistently worked to strengthen our bilateral ties. Those ties have always been actively developed at a good level.
Last year, our bilateral trade grew by approximately 20–25-percent, which is a strong result. There is certainly scope to expand trade further, and we have every opportunity to do so. I am referring to a wide range of sectors, including energy, geological exploration, transport and logistics, healthcare and education.
Incidentally, I understand that tomorrow you will be awarded the Doctor Honoris Causa title by the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Allow me to congratulate you on this achievement in advance.
We also maintain close and active cooperation on the international stage. We listen to one another and support each other. We have just been discussing the possibility of your speaking in St Petersburg – and I hope this will indeed take place the day after tomorrow – at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
We also look forward to your country being represented at a high level at the third Russia–Africa Summit.
We are very pleased to meet with you, Madam President.
Welcome.
President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan: Thank you very much, Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin.
At the outset, I have the honour and privilege to extend my sincere appreciation for being invited to this beautiful country. I also extend our appreciation as we have been graciously received and we have been enjoying all the hospitality accorded to myself and my delegation.
Secondly, as you said it right, my visit has a very special historic significance for me personally and for the country. It has been more than a century since the last state visit to Russia, and that was in 1969 by Mwalimu Nyerere, our founding father of the nation. So, for me, this is a truly historic trip coming to Russia to discuss issues of our bilateral cooperation but also sustainable development for our people. So, on behalf of myself and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I express our sincere appreciation for this invitation.
As you said it right, this is a chance when we have time to discuss the forthcoming development of our countries. But before that, I must thank Russia for the great contribution which it provided during the African liberation, in those 1960s, and we have been working with Russia to date. With that much development we are seeing in my country, Russia has made a great contribution to it. So, we are very thankful.
Mr President, Your Excellency, on another note, allow me to convey heartfelt congratulations on the magnificent commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Victory Day, which took place on May 9 this year. This landmark anniversary is a profound tribute to the unmatched patriotism, but also the sacrifice and unity of the Russian people.
Yet we are aware that in the coming week also you are going to celebrate the National Day of Russia, which is a symbol of sovereignty. So, in connection with this, I thank those who planned my visit to the war veterans cemetery this morning and I had an honour to lay a wreath over there, and that was an honour for me and for my country. So, we are very thankful for that.
Before I proceed, I have already made the introductions, but at this small gathering, I am accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Planning and Investment, followed by the Minister of Mining, the Ambassador of Tanzania to Russia, and the supporting staff.
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