Moscow. President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a historic state visit aimed at strengthening political, economic and trade relations between Tanzania and Russia.
The visit, which runs from June 3 to 5, comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and marks the first state visit by a Tanzanian head of state to Russia in decades.
The Tanzanian leader is expected to hold high-level talks with President Putin on bilateral cooperation, investment, trade, energy, education and other strategic sectors.
The discussions are also expected to focus on expanding economic ties between the two countries, which have been seeking closer engagement in recent years.
According to official statements issued ahead of the visit, President Samia will participate in a series of diplomatic and business engagements in Moscow.
The programme is expected to include meetings with senior Russian government officials and business leaders seeking opportunities in Tanzania.
The visit follows months of diplomatic preparations between the two countries.
Earlier this year, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo travelled to Moscow, where he delivered a special message from President Samia to President Putin and discussed ways of elevating bilateral relations.
Trade between the two countries has been growing, with both sides expressing interest in deepening cooperation in investment, infrastructure, agriculture, mining and energy.
President Samia’s trip also coincides with efforts by Tanzania and Russia to strengthen economic partnerships as the two nations mark 65 years of diplomatic relations.
Russian officials have expressed optimism that the visit will provide fresh momentum to cooperation between the countries and pave the way for new agreements.
The state visit is expected to culminate in the signing of several cooperation agreements and the announcement of new initiatives aimed at boosting trade and investment flows between Tanzania and Russia.
Analysts view the trip as an important step in Tanzania’s broader strategy of diversifying its international partnerships while attracting foreign investment to support economic growth.
President Samia is accompanied by senior government officials and business representatives.
Further details of the outcomes of her discussions with President Putin are expected to emerge during the course of the visit.
