TANZANIA EYES OPENING AN EMBASSY IN QATAR

President John Magufuli greets Qatar Ambassador, Abdallah Jassim Al Maadadi, when then envoy paid a courtesy call at the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Tanzania intends to open its new embassy in Qatar so as to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries especially in the aviation, tourism and natural gas sectors.

President John Magufuli expressed his government’s intention to put up offices in Qatar at State House in Dar es Salaam on Thursday when he met and held talks with the Qatar ambassador in Tanzania, Mr Abdallah Jassim Al Maadadi.

In their conversation, according to a statement from the Directorate of Presidential Communications, Dr Magufuli requested Mr Maadadi to remind Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamimu bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatar’s business Community that Tanzania has a lot of business potentials including natural gas of about 57 cubic feet and the country’s plan to revive the national airline, Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL).

Few days ago, Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Philip Mpango, unveiled the Fifth Phase Government 29.5trillion/- budget which, among other things, the minister reiterated the government’s intention to revive the ailing national airline - ATCL, with plans in hand to procure at least three new aircraft.

“I understand that Qatar has a lot of experience in those areas and Tanzania would be glad to collaborate with you in investment and sharing of experience so that both sides can rip benefits,’’ said Dr Magufuli.

During the conversation at State House, Mr Maadadi thanked the head of state on his quest to open an embassy in Qatar, so as the two countries enjoy bilateral relationship, assuring the president that he would share Dr Magufuli’s message with the Qatar’s ruler and the business community in his country.

Meanwhile, Dr Magufuli held talks with the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Ms Anne Makinda.

Ms Makinda who is the former speaker of the National Assembly said she assured the president of her efforts to ensure that NHIF which is highly depended on by many Tanzanians is improved, including solving issues that have for a long time become a bone of contentious. The former Speaker was recently appointed by Dr Magufuli the new NHIF board Chair.

She paid her maiden visit to State House since she was appointed by the president.

Daily News