The Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr Wang Yi told the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga his country’s support commitment during their talks held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC).
“China is set to play a major role in the movement and already a team of experts from the designated capital are in China gaining needed experience,” Mr Wang said during the private talks with his counterpart.
The visiting Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister said China and Tanzania cooperation will continue to grow deeper and strong. “China as the strategic partner of Tanzania will always continue to play an active role in helping to bring development to the country for the wellbeing of the people of Tanzania,” he explained.
He expressed his happiness in holding the meeting at the NJICC, describing it as a symbol of Tanzania and China friendship. “I am happy that you have chosen a symbol of Tanzania- China friendship to be venue to hold this meeting because here we see firsthand of the two countries cooperation.
This is one of many examples of such cooperation. Mr Minister our cooperation will continue to grow deeper and strong,” he explained. Mr Wang is on a six day official visit to five African countries that include Tanzania, Zambia, Madagascar, Republic of Congo and Nigeria.
“The purpose of my visit is to discuss with my Tanzanian friends how we should carry forward our traditional friendship and deepen our cooperation in particular in the complex challenges in the changing global economic landscape. It is highly necessary for both our countries to cooperate across all sectors,” he explained.
Exchanging remarks before holding private talks with his counterpart from China on Monday evening, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga said the team is studying master plans and looking at examples of China’s own relocation of Capital cities.
“There is a team of experts from Dodoma in China studying master plans and putting refinements....they are also looking at various examples where you in China have moved capitals from one place to another,” Dr Mahiga told his visiting counterpart, Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi.
Dr Mahiga added that a building under construction next to the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC), which initially was meant to house his ministry will now be used by the many Chinese companies operating in the country.
“We will discuss with the ambassador Dr Lu Youqing so that the building can be used by some of the many Chinese companies operating in Tanzania. Then we shall make arrangements for those companies to build another structure for my ministry in Dodoma,” Dr Mahiga explained.
The minister explained that moving to Dodoma is a decision that was taken more than 40 years ago by founding President Julius Nyerere, and now the current President John Magufuli is determined to accomplish the plan to make Dodoma the country’s Capital city.
“All the ministries including mine are now in the process of relocating to Dodoma,” he added noting that China will continue to be a partner in the relocation from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
Early this month the government said preparations for the shift from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma has reached an advanced stage with all Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries and their deputies required to be in the designated capital by next month.
Other departmental employees would thereafter keep on shifting in batches after every two or three months. Already Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has issued a directive indicating that from March to September, this year, at least 80 per cent of the government should relocate.
During his one day visit in Tanzania, Mr Wang held talks with Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on behalf of President John Magufuli and later had private talks with his counterpart Dr Mahiga before holding a joint press conference.
Although Mr Wang wanted to visit President Magufuli in his home town, Chato in Geita, time would not allow him, Dr Mahiga said.
Daily News
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