Tanzania and China seek to improve Consular Affairs

Ambassador Rajab Gamaha (right), Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation welcomes the Chinese Delegation from the People's Republic of China during their meeting on Friday January 13, 2013.  Listening on is Mr. Qzu Xuejun (2nd right), Deputy Director of Consular Affair Department in China, Mr. Lin Zhiyong, Chinese Commercial Representative and Mr. zHon Chunling (left), Consellor of International Cooperation at the Department of the Ministry of Trade in China. 

Ambassador Gamaha, Deputy Permanent Secretary in a round discussion with the delegation from the Government of the People's Republic of China (left) which was attended also by Deputy Director of Africa Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, and Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and representatives from the Tanzania's government (right).  

Representatives from the Tanzania Government which are Mr. Paul Chagonja (left), Commissioner of Police - Operation and Training Police Headquarter, Mr. Germanus Muhumwe (2nd left), ACP CID - Coordinator from CID Headquarter DSM,  and Mr. Barnabas Mwakalima (3rd left), Superintendant of Police -Commanding Officer Prevention Unit in Police Headquarter DSM.  Others are Ms. Samira Diria (2nd right), Acting Director of the Department of Asia Australasia and Mr. Charles Faini (right), Foreign Service Officer  from the Department of the Asia Australasia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. 

Mr. Qzu Xuejun from the Republic of China explains the need for the Chinese Nationals to know the local laws and requirements when they reside in Tanzania. 

Ambassador Rajab (right), emphasize the bilateral cooperation that exist between the two countries; where he commended the very spirit that has been shown through the Citizens of both countries.

Tanzania and China seek to improve Consular Affairs

by TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO 

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ambassador Rajab Gamaha recently met with the delegation from the People's Republic of China at the Ministry Office in Dar es Salaam.  The main goal of the meeting was to exchange views on local laws and requirements in respect to both countries especially now that there is a significant number of citizens residing in both countries. 

"There are more than 30,000 Chinese Nationals living in Tanzania, and approximately a thousand or less Tanzanians living in China," said Ambassador Gamaha.  Adding that, it is in that spirit that the Government's priority has never changed in respect to maintain peace and security among its citizens and other Nationals.  

  

However, Ambassador Gamaha cautioned that any criminal elements will be taken before proper authorities just like any other country in the world.  "When something happens, it is not that Chinese or any other National was a target; but rather it is like a disgruntled criminal breaking a law, where he eventually ought to be brought to justice," he said.

In his response, Mr. Qzu Xuejun, said that the Chinese and Tanzania Governments have enjoyed a good cooperation for years, and that his Government wished to push forward the bilateral relation that exists especially in consular relations.  

"There have been significant Chinese Nationals assuming residence in Tanzania and we seek your Government's assistance in educating us about local laws and requirements so that we improve our consular relations.  We want our Citizens to be dully abided citizens," he said.  Mr. Xuejun is a Deputy Director of Consular Affair Department from the People's Republic of China.

Agreeing with Mr. Xuejun, the Deputy Permanent Secretary said that both Governments have a duty to protect national security of the other; a duty that the Tanzania Government has implemented and fulfilled for years.  

In the latter, Ambassador Gamaha told the Chinese delegation that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate their request as a focal point Ministry; however, the Ministry of Home Affairs will be the proper channel to handle the matter including providing policy guidelines of local laws and requirements. 

End.