Cypriot FM signs MoU on historic visit to Tanzania

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has paid Tanzania the first visit by a Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, during which, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed, for the first time between the two countries.

According to an official press release, in the framework of his official visit to Tanzania, which is part of a series of visits to Africa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs met on July 9, 2025, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo. The visit, it is noted, took place in a dual capacity of the Cypriot Minister, since, in addition to the bilateral aspect of the consultations, he represented for the first time the High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

The meeting was the first between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries and the first visit of a Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cyprus to Tanzania, marking the beginning of a specific framework of bilateral cooperation, the press release stresses.

They agreed an action plan in areas such as shipping, trade, investment and agriculture, with the aim of achieving tangible results. The Minister thanked his Tanzanian counterpart for the warm welcome and the firm position of Tanzania on the Cyprus issue.

On the sidelines of the meeting, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed, for the first time between the two countries. The Memorandum of Political Consultations and the Memorandum of Recognition of Seafarers' Certificates, strengthening institutional cooperation and maritime connectivity, it says.

A second meeting followed, in the context of the European aspect of the visit, during which the Cypriot FM, in his capacity as a representative of Kallas, underlined the importance of Tanzania as a strategic partner of the EU. He praised the country's stability and its potential for development in energy, infrastructure and critical raw materials, and made special reference to the Global Gateway and the significant support provided by the EU through the European Investment Bank.

He also discussed with his counterpart issues of regional security, investment training and political developments in Tanzania in view of the upcoming elections, and reaffirmed the EU support for a transparent electoral period and an inclusive democratic process.

The Minister stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and cooperation and thanked  Mahmoud Thabit Kombo for the substantive talks and warm hospitality, the press release concludes. 

(Photos: EU in Tanzania)