High expectations as Poland President Duda visits Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan will host her Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, who is expected to arrive in the country on Thursday, February 8, 2024, for a two-day work visit.

The visit seeks to cement historic diplomatic ties between the two countries that have existed for many years, especially in the areas of infrastructure, wildlife conservation, education, water, environmental conservation, tourism, trade, investment and parliamentary issues.

“The visit is expected to explore opportunities for further cooperation in the areas of defence and security, energy and gas, minerals, transport, culture and the blue economy,” Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister January Makamba told a news conference last month.

However, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign and East African Cooperation on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, says President Duda will be accompanied by his wife, Agata Karnhauser-Duda.

At the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), President Duda will be received by Mr Makamba and other senior government officials, according to the statement.

“On February 9, 2024, the honourable Duda will be officially received by his host, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the Dar es Salaam State House, where the duo are expected to hold a tête-à-tête. A delegate of senior government officials from both sides will also engage in special talks before a joint press conference is convened to shed light on what has been agreed,” reads part of the government’s statement.

The Polish leader is also expected to visit a treatment project at the Aga Khan Hospital in the city that has received $1.137 million (Sh2.842 billion) in funding from Poland.

The project aims at providing assistance in treatment and educating healthcare service providers in the city of Dar es Salaam.