MINISTER MAHIGA’S DAY VISIT TO ROMANIA; SIGNS AN MOU FOR BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS

   

PRESS RELEASE

Tanzania’s foreign minister Hon. Dr. Augustine Mahiga, and his Romanian counterpart Hon. Teodor Melescanu have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, redefining bilateral relations that exist between Tanzania and Romania. 

The two leaders held extensive talks prior to the signing ceremony which was held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest in front of members of the press. The timely signing came at a time when the two parties are working to establish strong economic ties, with different nations around the world.  

The signed MoU between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries provides a platform to hold regular strategic consultations on political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical and cultural aspects of bilateral relations, regional and international matters.

The platform is envisaged to further develop and strengthen friendly relations while increase mutual understanding and cooperation between Tanzania and Romania.

“During the liberation struggle of Africa, many Tanzanian students came to Romania to study medicine and pharmaceutical. With the signing of this MoU, now Romania and Tanzania are strategic partners. We anticipate diversification in the area of training and capacity building to include new sectors such as agronomy for Tanzanian students” Hon. Mahiga remarked. 

Hon. Melescanu explained that ever since the new Government of Romania came into leadership one year ago, the focus has been to re establish relations and partnerships with countries outside Europe. 

“But Tanzania and Romania have been friends for the longest time, and we witnessed many of your colleagues receiving education in Romania. The number kept decreasing year after year due to the closing of our embassy in the 90’s. I believe now things will be better, for our people” announced Foreign Minister Melescanu. 

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 5th May 1964. The relations were very active until 18th November, 1999, when the government of Romania closed its embassy in Dar es Salaam, due to financial difficulties. The relations were mainly based on education particularly scholarship to Tanzania students. 

The platform for political discussions will provide an opportunity to discuss both priority issues, including migration issues, business opportunities, investments, various development projects, capacity building and tourism promotion.

Hon. Mahiga and his delegation, made a one-day visit to Bucharest on their way back to Tanzania after concluding another working visit in the region. Permanent Secretary of Romania Foreign Ministry is also expected to visit Tanzania as a follow up of this signed MoU within the coming month. 

ENDS

Issued by:

Government Communication Unit, 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, 

Bucharest, Romania June 21 2018