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Battle: US-Tanzania relations should transition to trade, investment
The US Ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Battle. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- The US ambassador to Tanzania said even as the US seeks to bolster aid and development, the long-term aim is to move to relations characterised by trade and investment
Dar es Salaam. The US Ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Battle, has explained how his nation plans to improve relations with Tanzania in various areas in the next 62 years.
He noted that the US diplomats stationed in the country are working hard to strengthen a relationship that is cognizant of the continued need for development and aid.
The long-term aim, he added, is to see the bilateral ties transitioning to a more sustainable model of trade and investment.
Mr Battle explained this on Tuesday evening during the 247th anniversary celebration of American independence, which was held in parallel with the 62nd anniversary of the official relationship between Tanzania and the US.
The American envoy said the two countries needed to continue having good provisions for education for their people, employment, security, the rule of law, and the welfare of future generations.
In his speech, Mr Battle highlighted the long-term relationship between the US and Tanzania going back to the 1960s, from the administrations of John Kennedy and his Tanzanian counterpart Julius Nyerere to George Bush and Jakaya Kikwete; and now John Biden and Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Before finishing his remarks, he read a letter from US Vice President Kamala Harris explaining the context of the US independence anniversary celebration in Tanzania.
The letter, read to the attendees of the event, said it was Ms Harris’ desire to attend the Dar es Salaam celebrations.
She recalled the hospitality and the good time she had during her visit in Tanzania in March this year.
In the letter, Ms Harris describes the good cooperation between the two countries, saying that she hopes to see it lasting for decades to come in terms of trade and investment.
She praised the efforts of the Tanzanian government to improve public democracy and open up the economy, issues she mentioned as an attraction for many private investors from her country.
The Tuesday event was attended by senior government officials, domestic and foreign diplomats, heads of private and public institutions, as well as business people.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Samwel Shelukindo, congratulated the American people for celebrating the auspicious day while thanking them for their developmental contribution to Tanzania.
He concluded by explaining Tanzania’s commitment to maintaining cooperation with the US while asking the attendees to ‘toast’ for the good health of Tanzanian and American leaders, the citizens of the two nations, and the friendship between the two countries.
“Tanzania is ready to continue cooperating with the US in all matters agreed by the leaders of the two countries,” he said.
He explained the contribution of American organizations to the development and well-being of Tanzanians.
Mr Shelukindo said Tanzania welcomes US investments into its economy, especially in the areas of renewable energy, industries, and the value addition of crops.
