Tanzania president visits Russia, meets Putin

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan began a three-day state visit to Russia on Wednesday, meeting President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Hassan described the trip as “historic,” marking the first visit by a Tanzanian leader to Russia since Julius Nyerere travelled there in October 1969.

Putin said he was pleased to host Hassan and called for the two countries to increase trade. Bilateral trade currently stands at just over $307 million annually, according to official figures. A planned uranium mine, discussed for more than a decade, remains the two countries’ most significant joint project.

A Russia-Tanzania Business Council was created in January to strengthen economic ties. Air Tanzania announced last month that it would launch flights from Dar es Salaam to Moscow by the end of the year. Hassan has brought a business delegation to Moscow and hopes to secure deals in trade, tourism and minerals.

Hassan’s visit coincides with the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which the Kremlin says has attracted about 20,000 people from more than 100 countries. The forum runs from June 3 to 6. Russian officials have not disclosed whether any agreements will be signed during Hassan’s stay.

SOURCE: AFP