Tanzania: Vietnam Seeks Dar es Salaam's Diplomatic Help

           Hanoi — VIETNAM has requested Tanzania to support her efforts to be recognized as a country with a free market economy among nations.
The appeal was made at the State House in the city of Hanoi, Vietnam, when President Ali Mohamed Shein held talks with his counterpart, President Truong Tan Sang. President Sang said the move would benefit her allies like Tanzania, including Zanzibar.
The leaders concurred that the talks have opened a new chapter in bilateral economic relations. In his explanation, Mr Sang thanked Dr Shein for the visit and said that Vietnam valued the cooperation and historic relationship between the two countries.
President Sang said Vietnam has significant history with Tanzania and thanked Tanzania for supporting her during its struggles for liberation. "Cooperation between the two countries will grow stronger through such frequently exchange visits to share experience and skills for effective implementation of various programmes on various development sectors," President Sang explained.
He assured President Shein on continued support to various development sectors especially agriculture and fishing where Vietnam has made tremendous progress. He further said he was impressed by
earlier talks between Vietnam's Vice-President Miss Nguyen Thi Doan and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein.
President Sang said he was impressed with Zanzibar's efforts towards economic growth and poverty reduction through its vision, good policies and strategies. He pledged to continue cooperating with African countries including Tanzania on issues of investment and business.
He also sent greetings to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, noting that he recognizes Tanzania's efforts towards faster economic growth for development.
On his part, Dr Shein thanked the Vietnam President for the invitation, noting that it signified the cooperation and growing ties. "Zanzibar has so much to learn from Vietnam especially in areas of development. Vietnam is world number two rice producer and exporter.
Zanzibar can draw lessons from Vietnam for its economic growth," Dr Shein said. Dr Shein said various Tanzania leaders had previously visited the country to strengthen relations including retired President Benjamin Mkapa in 2004, former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda in 2009.
Dr Shein also held talks with Vietnam Prime Minister Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, at the State House in Hanoi, Vietnam where both leaders highlighted on cooperation for economic development on either side.

Posted by: Eunice N