TZS 6.25 Trillion Loan and Strategic Initiatives Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties Between Tanzania and South Korea

Tanzania and South Korea are fortifying their diplomatic and economic relations through several significant initiatives and agreements, highlighting their growing partnership across various sectors.

Recently, South Korea committed to providing Tanzania with TZS 6.25 trillion ($2.5 billion) loan to support a range of development projects. This substantial financial assistance will fund the expansion of Tanzania's national identification system, improve land data infrastructure, develop water supply and wastewater treatment systems in Iringa, and construct Binguni Hospital in Zanzibar.

In addition to the financial support, the two countries have signed a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports. This agreement, finalized during the visit of South Korea's first vice minister of Foreign Affairs to Tanzania, aims to facilitate easier movement for top government officials and strengthen bilateral relations.

South Korea's interest in Tanzania extends to the mineral sector, particularly in strategic minerals essential for the fourth industrial revolution, such as those used in electric vehicle batteries. The Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) is collaborating with Tanzania's Ministry of Minerals to explore opportunities and develop technologies related to rare metal exploration and carbon capture.

Furthermore, South Korea is contributing to Tanzania's infrastructure development through Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean company involved in supplying electric trains for Tanzania's ambitious Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. This project aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration by linking Tanzania with its neighboring countries.

These initiatives underscore the deepening cooperation between Tanzania and South Korea, encompassing healthcare, infrastructure, technology, and resource management. The strengthened partnership is poised to bring significant economic benefits and foster closer diplomatic ties between the two nations.

PRESIDENT SAMIA URGES STRATEGIC REFLECTION AT AUPSC's 20th ANNIVERSARY

 

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on members of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) to reflect on the council’s journey since its inception, assess its achievements, and learn from past experiences.

She urged members to strategize for a future that aligns with the vision of a desired Africa.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of the AUPSC in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, President Hassan emphasized the importance of critical thinking and strategic planning to ensure a sustainable and peaceful Africa over the next two decades.

Explaining the vitality of the matter, she assured the various delegates gathered at the event that Tanzania will continue to give priority to ensuring that the African Union reaches its goal.

“Indeed, the history of our success in the liberation movement of the African continent must give us motivation in our current efforts to protect peace, bring about development as well as ensuring the peace of our people,” she stated.

Detailing on the various achievements of the council, President Samia noted that since its inception, the council has had an important role in promoting peace and stability the continent, contributed in dealing with conflicts and various security threats, contributed to the efforts of the African continent in dealing with terrorism and has endeavored to manage the foundations of human rights, democracy and good governance.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and since its inception, this is the first time for Tanzania to hosts the council.

KENYAN MOUNTAINEER DIED AFTER TRYING TO SUMMIT EVEREST WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN

An experienced Kenyan mountaineer died Wednesday and rescuers are still searching for the Nepali sherpa who was with him, after the team attempted to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, according to the Nepali government and his employer.

The body of 40-year-old Joshua Cheruiyot Kirui was found about 20 meters from the summit of the world’s highest mountain, an official of Nepal’s Department of Tourism told CNN.

“His sherpa is still missing and the expedition agency is still searching for him,” the official Khim Lal Gautam also told CNN by phone, was speaking from the foot of the mountain.

Kirui, a banker based in Nairobi, and the 44-year-old guide Nawang Sherpa were reported missing early Wednesday after going out of radio contact. A rescue team then began searching for them in camps and trails along the expansive mountain, Gautam told CNN.

Kirui’s body was discovered on Wednesday night local time in Nepal, at about 28,970 feet (8,830 meters) above sea level.

His employer KCB Bank called him “a passionate athlete and mountaineer,”

saying he was “the second Kenyan to ever summit Mt Everest” in an post on X.

Kirui documented his brave attempt to climb to the peak of Everest without supplemental oxygen in his last post on Instagram. “A no-oxygen attempt comes with its special preparations and risks, physically my body is ready,” he wrote, also laying out the precautions he was taking.

He listed drugs he was bringing along for any potential illnesses or frostbite and said his guide would also carry an emergency bottle of oxygen.

“And so after heavy investment physically, mentally, timewise (this expedition is

taking more than a month from a regular 8 to 5 banker), financially (the amount of zeros needed to make this happen means I declare bankruptcy immediately I land back in Kenya)… it’s now the moment of truth,” he wrote.

Congratulatory comments and good luck wishes on the Instagram post were soon replaced by condolence messages as word spread that his body had been found.
Kirui was a lover of the outdoors, who ran ultramarathons and climbed some of the world’s most daunting mountains, according to colleagues.

“His indomitable will and unwavering passion for mountaineering led him to conquer the world’s most awe-inspiring landscapes,” KCB Group CEO Paul Russo wrote of him. “His recent triumphs on Mt Manaslu and Mt Everest are a testament to his adventurous spirit and determination.”