Thursday, May 30, 2024

Samia readying for six-day Korea visit

President Samia Suluhu Hassan

Photo: State House
President Samia Suluhu Hassan

 By Guardian Reporter , The Guardian

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan leaves Dar es Salaam tomorrow for a six-day working visit in South Korea at the invitation of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

January Makamba, the Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister, said at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the tour starts May 31, ending on June 6, involving an extensive exchange of views with the host leader, alongside witnessing the signing of several contracts.

One such accord is a $2.5bn soft loan to fund crucial development projects over the next five years to 2028), he said, speaking of strong bonds and considerable potential for investment growth between the two countries, he said.

The two leaders are expected to witness the signing of a number of agreements, for instance one aimed at enhancing cooperation in aviation, blue economy, strategic minerals, culture and arts, alongside a pact on agriculture, he said.

President Samia is similarly slated for an honorary doctorate on aviation management from the Korea Aerospace University (KAU) for transformative actions, policy interventions and pragmatic leadership that has transformed the sector.

This impact includes the development of airport infrastructure; investment in capacity building for systems, technical personnel and supporting staff; alongside a singular expansion of fleets both for passengers and cargo planes, he said, pointing out that the national carrier had one plane in 2015 and boasts 14 aircraft at present. 

President Samia is respected for the development of airport infrastructure; investment in building the capacity of systems and personnel for the national carrier, he emphasised.

On June 4 and 5, the president will take part in the Korea-Africa Summit, bringing together top national leaders and heads of government from Korea and sub-Saharan Africa, where she will sit on a panel on strengthening food security and strategic mineral safety issues. 

Economic diplomacy will be central to the visit, with President Samia meeting top Korean business executives to explore partnerships in energy, infrastructure and film production, the minister noted.

In recognition of South Korea's advanced film industry, the president will engage with Korean arts, music and film sector leaders to promote cultural exchange, boost tourism and seeking ways to set up film studios and a national film academy in Tanzania, he added.

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