Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) project. The parties stated that the project aims to enhance regional development and cooperation.
DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on Friday with Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Dar es Salaam. During the meeting, the two sides reiterated their determination to rejuvenate the Tanzania–Zambia Railway (TAZARA).
Describing the TAZARA project as a symbol of China–Africa friendship and a landmark of bilateral cooperation, Wang called on both parties to jointly revitalize the railway, create a corridor of shared prosperity, support Tanzania’s development drive for the benefit of local populations, and continue to set an exemplary model for China–Africa cooperation.
Wang emphasized that China and Tanzania, as representatives of the Global South, should work together to uphold the central role of the United Nations in international relations and the authority of international law, firmly defend multilateralism, promote a more equitable system of global governance, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.
Kombo noted that Tanzania–China relations serve as a model for Africa–China cooperation, adding that the revitalization of the TAZARA project would effectively promote regional connectivity and economic development.
Reaffirming Tanzania’s adherence to the One-China principle and its determination to advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Kombo expressed Tanzania’s desire to make greater use of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries.
Kombo further stated Tanzania’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative and the four major global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. He added that Tanzania seeks to deepen cooperation with China within the framework of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, strengthen multilateral collaboration, and jointly uphold justice, development, and prosperity in the region and globally.
Following the talks, Wang and Kombo held a joint press conference.