Membe: Tanzania, Oman notched impressive milestones

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation congratulates H.E. Yahya Moussa Albakri, the outgoing Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Republic of Tanzania, who has just finished his six years tenure in the country. 

Minister Membe holds a discussion with the outgoing Ambassador Albakri on 9th of October, 2013 at Hyatt Regency (Kilimanjaro) Hotel in Dar es Salaam. 

Ambassador Simba Yahya (left), Director of the Department of Middle East in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation also took time to hold discussion with H.E. Yahya Moussa Albakri, the outgoing Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman. 

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

Tanzania and Oman are said to have marked impressive milestones in fostering economic and investment endeavours between their countries.

That was expressed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Bernard K. Membe, when he hosted a farewell dinner to the outgoing Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, Yahya Moussa Albakri on the 9^th of October, 2013 in Hyatt Regency (Kilimanjaro) Hotel in Dar es Salaam.

“I commend your unshaken commitment to duty, clarity of purpose, decisiveness and visionary support of common interest for the mutual benefit of our two brotherly countries,” said Minister Membe to the outgoing Ambassador who has just finished his six years tour of duty in the country.

Tanzania and Oman have been cooperating in various development projects that include the Rehabilitation of Muhimbili hospital, the Extension and rehabilitation of the Zanzibar Airport, the Assistance in preservation of government archives both Mainland and Zanzibar and the Rehabilitation of Stone Town iconic buildings and landmarks.

The Minister further acknowledged strong bilateral ties that have continued to grow between the two countries.  Recently, Oman organized an International Symposium on Islamic Civilization in East Africa that was held in Zanzibar, September of this year and the related Exhibition on Archives of Omani Culture that took place in Dar es Salaam during the same month.

For his part, Ambassador of Oman said that his family has deep connection to Tanzania, as his own Mother was actually born here in the Village of Seka in Shinyanga Region.

The past years of my tenure have forged strong bonds between my family and Tanzanian brothers and sisters.  “These strong relations have made us feel that Tanzania has become our second home,” said Ambassador Yahya Albakri.

Ambassador Albakri has also hailed the historical visit by President Kikwete last year, saying that it opened many doors to the promotion of relations and cooperation in many fields.  “The visit produced the signing of dozens memorandum of understanding (MoU) and several investment projects,” said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador further thanked President Kikwete for his hospitality and generosity during his tenure in the country.  “I leave Dar es Salaam with a feeling of a deep contentment at the level of relations between my beloved country and your great nation,” said the Ambassador.

In bidding his farewell, Minister Membe asked Ambassador Yahya Albakri to be a goodwill Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania and continue assistingin promoting Tanzania as a first class investment and tourism destination, sharing culture and decorum common to most civilizations.

The two countries have exchanged countless visits that include the 2012 official visit in Oman by H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete to and the visit to Tanzania by H.E. Abdullah bin Alawi, Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Abdul Muneium Al-Hasni, Minister of information of the Sultanate of Oman and Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al-Dhawian, the Director General of the National Archive of the Sultanate of Oman.  There has been also a first meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) for cooperation which was held in Dar es Salaam February of this year.