DAR ES SALAAM, Aug 20 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE arrival of a Russian naval ship in Dar es Salaam has marked another milestone in the strengthening of defence and diplomatic ties between Tanzania and the Russian Federation.
The event, which drew senior officials, diplomats and members of the armed forces, highlighted a growing partnership that stretches across political, economic and security spheres. Over the years, Tanzania and Russia have engaged in joint training, official visits by military chiefs and exchanges in specialised fields such as medicine, engineering and technology.
These initiatives are designed not only to improve the skills of Tanzanian personnel but also to enhance interoperability between the two defence forces.
The importance of maritime security in Tanzania’s strategic priorities cannot be overstated. As a nation with a vast coastline along the Indian Ocean, Tanzania faces both opportunities and challenges in managing its maritime resources and ensuring safe passage for trade. Russian Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, described the naval visit as a tangible demonstration of the warm relations that bind the two nations.
“Our two nations are very close and we continue to expand our relations not only in the political sphere but also in trade, economic cooperation and investment,” he said. Ambassador Avetisyan added, “we welcome and support policies that strengthen economic development. Together, we work for the benefit of both our nations and what is happening today is a true symbol of this friendship.
He said that the visit of the naval force reflects the shared decision to move even closer and to deepen our partnership. His remarks resonated with the broader sentiment that cooperation between Tanzania and Russia is not only historical but continues to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities.
The ambassador highlighted that the naval presence in Tanzanian waters is not merely a ceremonial gesture but part of practical efforts to improve capacity building, technical support and operational preparedness in the maritime sector.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Jacob Mkunda at the event, Major General Salim Amri Mwami praised the visit as a demonstration of shared commitment to stability, peace and enhanced maritime capability.
“This collaboration is instrumental in strengthening our maritime security, improving operational effectiveness and building enduring friendships between our armed forces. Through training, medical support and technical cooperation, our partnership continues to grow from strength to strength,” said Major General Mwami.
He stressed that the presence of the Russian naval ship in Dar es Salaam was not an isolated event but part of a long-term programme of military cooperation. Piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and other maritime crimes continue to pose threats in regional waters.
Strengthening naval capacity, therefore, is key to safeguarding national and regional interests. This visit reflect broader geopolitical realities. Russia, seeking to expand its influence in Africa, has increasingly turned to defence cooperation as a pillar of its engagement.
Tanzania, on the other hand, has sought to diversify its international partnerships, ensuring that its armed forces benefit from a wide array of training, equipment and technical support. The convergence of these interests has given rise to initiatives like the current naval visit, which provide practical opportunities for collaboration while also reinforcing diplomatic goodwill.
For Tanzania, the partnership with Russia is part of a wider strategy of ensuring that its defence forces are modern, well-trained and capable of responding to emerging security challenges. Initiatives such as joint training exercises, medical cooperation and technical exchanges help bridge gaps in capacity while also strengthening people-to-people ties between service members.
The emphasis on skill development, in particular, reflects a forward-looking approach to defence cooperation, one that invests in knowledge transfer and sustainability.
Ambassador Avetisyan’s emphasis on economic cooperation during his speech also drew attention to the broader context in which defence ties are situated. Tanzania and Russia have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the 1960s, with cooperation extending into trade, education and culture. Russian institutions have hosted Tanzanian students for decades, contributing to capacity building in fields as diverse as engineering, medicine and agriculture.
The defence relationship, therefore, sits alongside a wider framework of collaboration that spans multiple sectors. In this regard, the naval visit was more than a symbolic gesture. It represented a convergence of history, friendship and shared vision for the future.
The ambassador noted that the decision to move relations “even closer” reflects not only political will but also the realities of a world in which nations must work together to address complex challenges.
As the Russian crew engages in training activities with their Tanzanian counterparts, expectations are high that the visit will yield concrete outcomes.
In the long term, these efforts are expected to contribute to Tanzania’s broader aspirations of being a secure, stable and prosperous nation within East Africa and the Indian Ocean region. For the armed forces of both countries, the visit served as both a practical training opportunity and a reaffirmation of enduring ties.
For policymakers and citizens alike, it stood as a reminder that diplomacy and defence cooperation go hand in hand in building a future of peace, stability and mutual prosperity.
As Ambassador Avetisyan aptly put it, the friendship between Tanzania and Russia is not static but a living relationship, expanding into new areas and deepening with time. And as Major General Mwami said that the visit strength lies not only in agreements and ceremonies but in the practical collaboration that improves lives, strengthens security and builds enduring bonds. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
