The book will be presented during the cocktail reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations which will take place on Friday October 21, at the Swiss Residence accompanied by an art exhibition of works by artists featured in the book. The exhibition, which extends to the following day, Saturday October 22, will also include a round table discussion on contemporary art in Tanzania with notable panelists including Prof. Elias E. Jengo, professor of Fine Arts at the University of Dar es Salaam and Yves Goscinny, author of the book ‘A Concise Study of Contemporary Art in Tanzania’.
During the last 50 years, Switzerland and Tanzania have developed strong partnerships through political interactions, economic and development cooperation, and support to cultural initiatives. In her remarks, the Swiss Ambassador to Tanzania, Her Excellency Florence Tinguely Mattli said the past fifty years witnessed steady progress in bilateral cooperation between the two countries based on mutual respect and understanding, and strong commitment to human development. “Through joint efforts, the bilateral relations have seen a number of achievements in political and development cooperation. They have developed into a true partnership for the benefit of both countries, in particular in health sector. These achievements give a reason to reflect on the long history of mutually fruitful interaction and celebrate 50 years of friendship as a strong base for our future relations. May the colours and the creativity of Tanzanian art inspire our partnership for the next 50 years!” she said.
Bilateral Agreement
Fully fledged diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Tanzania were strengthened by the opening of an Embassy in 1966 and the signature of the agreement on technical and scientific cooperation. Prior to then, Swiss missionaries, farmers and businesspeople had been active in Tanzania since the 1920s. In 1927 Switzerland opened a consulate in the coastal city of Tanga, where the bulk of Swiss investment in the sisal industry was concentrated. The consulate was later relocated to Dar es Salaam in 1961. Switzerland and Tanzania have signed a series of treaties to bolster bilateral relations, notably on technical and scientific cooperation (1966), civil aviation (2004), and mutual investment protection (2004).
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Since the 1950s, Swiss nongovernmental organizations, researchers and specialists have been providing technical and financial assistance in Tanzania. Switzerland has been supporting development projects in Tanzania since the early 1960s. Its activities intensified in 1981 when it opened a cooperation office in Dar es Salaam. Switzerland continues to work with Tanzanian and Swiss partners to foster an equal society, support economic growth that is inclusive of all citizens, and reduce poverty in poor regions of Tanzania through three key sectors of health, employment and income, and governance.
Press Release - Swiss-Tanzania 50 Years Anniversary
Press Release - Swiss-Tanzania 50 Years Anniversary [Kiswahili]
