No Plan to Cut Aid to Tanzania says Bellingham, British African Affairs Minister

The UK Minister for African Affairs Hon. Henry Bellingham in a meeting with Hon. Bernard Membe, Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation 

Ministers meeting with Tanzanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom H.E Peter A. Kallaghe (next to Minister Membe) and Vicky Mwakasege Assistant Director Department of Europe and America

Ministers meeting with UK Ambassadaor to Tanzania H.E Diane Corner (next right to Minister ) and Jonathan Williams, Assistant Private Secretary to Minister Bellingham.

The British Minister for African Affairs Hon. Henry Bellingham has re-assured Tanzania of his country's unwavered commitment to maintain its bilateral assistance to Tanzania, saying it has no intention to cut its aid in Tanzania.

Hon. Bellingham was speaking in the context of a recent report that the British Government was planning to cut aid to countries which do not observe comprehensive approach to  human rights, including rights to homosexuals.

Speaking to Hon. Benard Membe, Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in Dar es salaam, Hon. Bellingham said UK will continue to respect Tanzania traditions, values and customs.

He said Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa with an outstanding human rights and governance record, making her one of the top recipient of the British Government aid.

In turn, the Tanzanian Minister thanked the visiting British Minister for the reasurance and clarification on the matter.

In their discussions, the two Ministers discussed various issues on the escalating piracy in the Coast of East Africa and political development in North Africa.

The British Minister later flew to Zambia.