On 8th February 2024, Ambassador Baraka Luvanda had a productive bilateral meeting with Ambassador Taha Macpherson, Deputy Secretary for Europe, Middle East and Africa and Australia Division at the New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry in Wellington. Ambassador Macpherson was accompanied by three other Ministry officials, including the Director for Africa and Middle East Affairs, Deputy Director responsible for Africa, and the desk officer in charge of Tanzania affairs.
The discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, fostering closer existing bilateral relations, and exploring potential collaborations between Tanzania and New Zealand. They emphasized the need to maintain peace and security, Commonwealth and UN support - as both countries are members, as well as public health initiatives, including maternal health care, where a number of New Zealand associations are engaged in Tanzania.
In his speech, Ambassador Luvanda expressed his gratitude towards the New Zealand Government for the diplomatic and fraternal relationship between the two countries since Tanzania's independence in 1961. He underscored that Tanzania considers New Zealand an important partner in its economic growth, citing the substantial support received from the New Zealand Government through its International Development Cooperation Aid Fund (IDCAF). The IDCAF, among others include funding the projects implemented by the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) to support strengthening renewable energy capacity via the Africa-New Zealand Geothermal Facility.
In addition, Ambassador Luvanda extended his appreciation to the New Zealand Government for their support in enhancing the accessibility of educational opportunities in New Zealand for Tanzanian citizens. He mentioned that around 45 Tanzanian scholars have benefited from scholarships granted by the Government of New Zealand through the Manaaki Scholarship Programme, as well as individual scholarships offered by New Zealand institutions of higher learning at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He further added that Tanzanian students have benefited much from New Zealand expertise in the fields of agricultural science, water resource management, veterinary studies, education, and environmental management.
Ambassador Luvanda concluded his remarks by lauding New Zealand investments in Tanzania for strong investment schemes in health, manufacturing, services, and tourism sectors, which had a significant influence on Tanzania’s economic development.
In turn, Ambassador Macpherson thanked Ambassador Luvanda for his visit and expressed appreciation for the recognition of New Zealand's contribution to Tanzania's economy. He further assured Ambassador Luvanda of his unwavering commitment to addressing all the pertinent issues deliberated during the meeting by promptly submitting them and following up with the relevant New Zealand authorities.
