ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has thanked Oman for supporting development projects on the semi-autonomous archipelago, highlighting long-standing historical and cultural ties between the two sides.
Mwinyi made the remarks during a Ramadan iftar hosted by Omani consul Sheikh Said Salim Al-Sinawiy at the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport Hotel in Zanzibar’s Urban West region.
“Oman and Zanzibar share deep historical and brotherly relations,” Mwinyi said, noting that cooperation in education, tourism and cultural preservation had contributed to the islands’ development.
He also cited support for preserving the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of East Africa’s most important cultural landmarks.
Zanzibar and Oman share centuries-old ties dating back to the 19th century, when the Omani Sultanate ruled parts of the East African coast and established Zanzibar as a regional commercial centre.
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Mwinyi said the archipelago would continue strengthening cooperation with Oman in areas including tourism development, heritage conservation and investment.
The president also used the gathering to call on Muslims to pray for global peace during the holy month of Ramadan.
Zanzibar, which forms part of the Tanzania, has been expanding diplomatic and economic partnerships to support its economic diversification strategy.