Dar es Salaam, 31 March 2023 (TDI): Today, Vice President of the United States (US), Kamala Harris met with the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan to discuss a range of important issues.
The key topics included democratic reforms, economic growth, private sector investment, infrastructure development, climate crisis, and public health.
The U.S.-Tanzania relationship has deep and historic roots.
President Samia and I look forward to further strengthening these bonds as we work to promote economic growth, tackle the climate crisis, and safeguard democracy. pic.twitter.com/7LKciHlNfO
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 30, 2023
During the meeting, Vice President Harris thanked President Samia for Tanzania’s participation in the second Summit for Democracy and applauded her leadership in opening political space and undertaking critical democratic reforms.
Vice President Harris also praised Tanzania’s first female leader President Samia’s announcement that Tanzania intends to rejoin the Open Government Partnership and encouraged her to continue efforts to strengthen civil and political liberties.
She acknowledged her efforts in rolling back authoritarian policies and opening up political space. Harris also commended President Samia’s leadership in taking meaningful steps towards democracy and lifting the ban on political party public rallies.
Furthermore, the two leaders discussed opportunities to boost US private sector investment and make it easier for American investors to do business in Tanzania.
Also, they talked about the importance of infrastructure development in Tanzania and Vice President Harris reaffirmed US support for this effort.
Likewise, Kamala Harris commended President Samia for Tanzania’s handling of the recent Marburg virus outbreak and pledged continued US support for the response.
Ahsante Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais wa Marekani, @KamalaHarris kwa safari yako ya kihistoria Tanzania. Safari hii na utekelezaji wa tuliyojadiliana vitasukuma mahusiano ya Tanzania na Marekani kwenda mbele zaidi kwa manufaa ya nchi zote mbili. Safari njema, na karibu tena Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/0G6R8Xo7uX
— Samia Suluhu (@SuluhuSamia) March 31, 2023
Both leaders also discussed the longstanding partnership between the US and Tanzania through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has enabled Tanzania to be on the cusp of epidemic control.
In addition to these important topics, Vice President Harris and the President of Tanzania discussed the need to strengthen cooperation on regional security issues.
In the same vein, the importance of advancing women’s economic empowerment in Tanzania and across the continent was also underscored.
Vice President Harris expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome she received from the Tanzanian people and thanked President Samia for her hospitality.
Great to be here, Tanzania. pic.twitter.com/EeA4ZiXgbF
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 30, 2023
Two powerful women leaders sharing the stage and writing a new chapter in the history of their countries. Imagine all the young girls in 🇹🇿 and 🇺🇸 who can now see themselves on that stage! An inspiring way to close out #WomensHistoryMonth and a proud moment for all of us. pic.twitter.com/4NLrV95VDH
— Ambassador Michael Battle (@USAmbTanzania) March 30, 2023
In a nutshell, the Vice President’s visit to Tanzania is part of her ongoing efforts to deepen partnerships with African countries to counter the growing influence of China and Russia.
The US remains committed to supporting Tanzania’s efforts to promote democracy, strengthen the economy, and improve the health and well-being of its people.