Tanzania and Palestine have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic friendship following the presentation of credentials by the new Palestinian Ambassador to Tanzania, Salam Abu Sharar, to President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in Dar es Salaam on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The ceremony marked an important step in strengthening relations between the two countries, which have remained close for more than six decades.
Ambassador Abu Sharar will now officially represent Palestine in Tanzania and work to further deepen cooperation between the two sides.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ambassador Abu Sharar delivered greetings from the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, and expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s continued support to the Palestinian people over many years.
He also congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her leadership and the progress Tanzania has made under her administration.
The Ambassador noted that Palestine is going through a difficult humanitarian situation and called for the international community to place greater focus on protecting human life and dignity.
He stressed the need for urgent attention to ongoing challenges in Gaza and the West Bank, emphasizing compassion and justice.
Tanzania and Palestine share a long history of friendship dating back to the era of liberation movements.
Under the leadership of Tanzania’s founding father, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanzania played a key role in supporting anti-colonial struggles and stood in solidarity with liberation movements across the world.
This relationship was further strengthened through the close cooperation between Mwalimu Nyerere and the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who led the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Their partnership reflected a shared commitment to freedom, self-determination, and justice.
In 1973, Tanzania was among the early African countries to allow the establishment of a PLO office, and in 1988 it was also among the first to recognise the State of Palestine.
These steps helped build a strong foundation for continued diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The friendship between Tanzania and Palestine is also visible in social services. One example is the Sinza Palestina Health Centre in Dar es Salaam, established in the 1970s through cooperation between the two sides.
The facility continues to provide essential health services to the public, especially mothers and children, and remains a symbol of practical cooperation that directly benefits citizens.
During the meeting, Ambassador Abu Sharar also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in promoting peace, development, and mutual understanding.
He said Palestine values Tanzania’s consistent position in supporting dialogue and peaceful solutions to global conflicts.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, international cooperation, and dialogue as key tools for resolving global challenges.
She emphasized that Tanzania will continue to support efforts that promote stability and development.
Both sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic relations further and explore more areas of cooperation in humanitarian and international engagement.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to preserve and deepen the friendship between Tanzania and Palestine, built on a shared history of solidarity, respect, and cooperation.
