By
Correspondent.
President
Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has promised
to improve the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF). She aims to ensure the
TPDF is made up of well-trained and well-equipped personnel.
Speaking
at the closing of a military field exercise marking the 60th anniversary of
TPDF at Pongwe Msungura, Msata in Coast Region, President Samia emphasized the
need for a modern and effective military. She said her government is focused on
building a professional and motivated army with advanced tools to protect the
nation.
President
Samia stated that a stronger military will be achieved through commitment,
dedication, and a strong economy. She encouraged the military to maintain
TPDF’s founding principles of discipline, obedience, loyalty, and courage,
which are key to its identity.
She
praised TPDF for its outstanding role in Tanzania and as a model force across
Africa and the world. She recognized the force's consistent display of military
skill, professionalism, and discipline.
The
President also thanked China for partnering with TPDF in the recent field
exercise, which included naval and land drills. She acknowledged the arrival of
China’s Peace Ark hospital ship, which provided medical services to nearly
8,000 citizens, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in boosting
military readiness.
The
exercise allowed both countries to share experiences and strategies on fighting
terrorism, illegal fishing, piracy, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
This was the fourth joint military exercise between Tanzania and China.
Previous exercises were held in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam in 2014, Mapinga in
the Coast Region in 2019/2020, and another last September.
This
year’s exercise was unique because it included all branches of TPDF—air force,
navy, and ground forces—while previous drills focused on specific units.
Recently,
Tanzania and China celebrated 97 years of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army
(PLA), 60 years of TPDF, and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two
countries in Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania
was the first country in Eastern and Southern Africa to sign a Treaty of
Friendship with China in 1965. In 1971, Tanzania played a key role in
supporting China’s return to its seat in the United Nations as a Permanent
Member of the Security Council.
The strong
friendship between Tanzania and China was built by visionary leaders like the
late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and the late Chairman Mao Zedong. Over
the years, this relationship has grown stronger, based on mutual respect,
sincerity, and a shared commitment to freedom and justice.
Today,
Tanzania and China continue to enjoy strong ties at various levels, including
government, people, and military cooperation, reinforcing the principles that
have guided their relationship for decades.