Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, where he will represent President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a special high-level summit marking 65 years since the first Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit.
Dr Mwinyi arrived in the Serbian capital on Sunday, August 30, 2026, leading Tanzania’s delegation to the commemorative meeting, which is expected to reflect on the movement’s historical role and its relevance to today’s global challenges.
He is accompanied by Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and other senior government officials.
At Nikola Tesla International Airport, Dr Mwinyi was received by Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarović.
He was also welcomed by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Italy, who is concurrently accredited to Serbia, Ambassador Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk.
The meeting marks 65 years since the inaugural NAM Heads of State and Government Conference was held in Belgrade in 1961, bringing together countries seeking to maintain an independent position amid the Cold War rivalry between major powers.
For Tanzania, the anniversary provides an opportunity to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to multilateral diplomacy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, national sovereignty and cooperation among developing countries.
The commemorative summit comes at a time when the international system is facing renewed geopolitical tensions, conflicts and economic pressures, placing fresh focus on the role of developing countries in shaping the global agenda.
Tanzania has been an active participant in NAM since its early years, using the platform to advance issues including African liberation, self-determination, peace, development and a stronger voice for developing countries in international affairs.