DAR ES SALAAM: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is set to make a historic three-day state visit to Tanzania this week, marking the first visit by a Singaporean head of state since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago.
The June 8-10 visit, at the invitation of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and sustainable development as Tanzania seeks to deepen economic ties with Asian partners.
In a statement, Tanzania’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said the visit reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to economic transformation, connectivity and long-term development.
President Samia and President Tharman are expected to hold high-level talks covering sectors including trade and investment, transportation and port development, the digital economy, tourism, education, infrastructure and technology.
Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Singapore were established on Dec. 12, 1980, and officials say the visit is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations driven by stronger economic engagement and technology exchange.
Analysts view the trip as strategically significant as Tanzania positions itself as a regional trade and logistics hub in East Africa while Singapore expands its commercial footprint across emerging African markets.
President Tharman is expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam on June 8 accompanied by his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, senior government officials, cabinet ministers and members of Singapore’s business community.
He will be received by Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
On June 9, President Samia is scheduled to formally welcome the Singaporean leader at State House in Dar es Salaam before the two heads of state hold private talks followed by broader bilateral discussions involving senior delegations from both countries.
The leaders are also expected to address a joint press conference before President Samia hosts a state banquet in honour of the visiting leader.
As part of the visit, President Tharman will travel to Zanzibar on June 10 for talks with Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi before departing for Singapore later that day.
The Tanzanian government said the visit is expected to accelerate cooperation in strategic sectors including ports, logistics, industrial development and digital transformation as Tanzania pursues broader economic modernisation reforms.
The visit also comes amid growing efforts by African economies to attract Asian investment, technology and expertise as governments seek to diversify international economic partnerships and strengthen integration into global supply chains.
