President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Vladimir Putin discussed strengthening economic and political ties between Tanzania and Russia on Wednesday in Moscow.
The conversations, which involved a restricted‑attendance meeting and an expanded format, were held after an official welcoming ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace.
The talks covered multiple topics and included an exchange of views on international and regional matters. This year marks the 65th anniversary of Russia-Tanzania diplomatic relations.
Putin, in his remarks, described Hassan’s visit as “a very positive sign,” noting that she chose Russia for her first official trip since her inauguration for a second term in office.
The President commended his counterpart for consistently working to deepen bilateral links over the years, citing Hassan’s tenure as Minister and later as Vice President.
Putin said trade between both nations in 2025 grew by 20–25 percent, across sectors such as energy, geological exploration, transport and logistics, healthcare, and education.
The premier emphasized that Russia and Tanzania “maintain close and active cooperation,” and expects Tanzania’s participation at the high-level third Russia–Africa Summit in October.
President Hassan, accompanied by senior government officials, told his host she’s in Moscow for a dialogue on mutual partnership and sustainable development for Tanzanians.
Hassan thanked Russia for its “great contribution” during the African liberation in the 1960s, saying the continued assistance impacted “the development we are seeing in my country.”
The state visit to Russia by 66-year-old Hassan is historic, being the first by the President of Tanzania since its founding father, Julius Nyerere, traveled there in October 1969.
The incumbent leader, however, faces Western isolation following the killing of hundreds of people during riots triggered by the disputed October 2025 elections, in which Hassan won 97% of the vote.
The violent crackdown drew outrage and condemnation by United Nations human rights experts, international organizations and activists, several Western countries, and the European Union.
The United States also announced a review of its partnership with Tanzania, while a coalition petitioned the Prosecutor’s Office at the International Criminal Court to investigate President Hassan.
