DAR ES SALAAM, (Xinhua)— Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for strengthening China–Africa friendship during talks with Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Dar es Salaam.
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China and Tanzania share a long-standing and resilient friendship. He recalled that Chinese President Xi Jinping chose Tanzania as one of the destinations of his first Africa visit in 2013, where he outlined the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, marking a new phase in China–Africa relations. Wang noted that this visit continues China’s tradition of making Africa the first overseas destination of its foreign minister at the beginning of each year—a practice upheld for 36 consecutive years. He described China–Africa cooperation as a vital pillar of South-South cooperation, driven by strong internal momentum and promising development prospects.
Summarizing the foundations of China–Africa relations, Wang highlighted three key aspects. First, he said both sides jointly uphold justice, having supported each other in struggles against imperialism and colonialism, national liberation efforts, and development pursuits. Today, China and Africa continue to back one another on core interests, defend the rights of developing countries, and contribute stability amid global uncertainty.
China supports Tanzania in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, respects its chosen development path, and opposes external interference in its internal affairs, Wang added. Second, Wang emphasized joint progress, noting President Xi’s proposal for China and Africa to advance modernization together and build an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. He said China–Tanzania relations now extend beyond bilateral ties and align with the broader rise of the Global South. Third, Wang underscored mutual benefit, stating that China and Africa’s shared modernization goals are rooted in win-win cooperation.
China is ready to align development strategies, accelerate implementation of outcomes from the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, and deepen collaboration in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Wang also recalled the recent launch of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway revitalization project, saying China is willing to work with Tanzania to develop the railway into a growth corridor and a new driver of economic development, further strengthening the China–Tanzania comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
