President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, is set to travel to Serbia to represent President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a high-level meeting marking 65 years since the founding summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Dr Mwinyi will lead the Tanzanian delegation to the special commemorative meeting scheduled for August 31 and September 1, 2026, at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade.
The meeting will bring together leaders and representatives of NAM member states to reflect on the movement’s history and assess the relevance of its founding principles in the face of emerging global political and economic challenges.
Tanzania is expected to deliver a statement at the meeting, outlining its position on issues of importance to the movement and the wider international community.
The first NAM summit was held in Belgrade in 1961, establishing a platform for countries seeking to pursue independent foreign policies and promote peace, sovereignty, equality and cooperation without aligning themselves with major power blocs.
Tanzania has historically played a prominent role in the movement, with the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere among African leaders who strongly championed its principles.
Mwalimu Nyerere advocated for national independence, self-determination, equality among nations, peace, solidarity and greater cooperation among developing countries.
During his visit, Dr Mwinyi is expected to hold talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and deliver a special message from President Samia.
The talks are expected to focus on bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation between Tanzania and Serbia, particularly in trade and investment, agriculture, tourism and the Blue Economy.
Dr Mwinyi is also expected to meet Serbian investors as Tanzania seeks to expand economic cooperation and attract investment in sectors with potential for mutual benefit.
The visit is scheduled to end on September 2, 2026, after Dr Mwinyi attends the commemorative meeting and undertakes other engagements on the sidelines of the event.