New partnership will bring Tanzania, France closer - French Ambassador

By: Unknown on 1:10 AM

French Ambassador to Tanzania, Malika Berak

Tanzania and France yesterday announced that a friendship group bringing together members from both countries will be formed in Dar es Salaam on Friday, its thrust being on the consolidation of bilateral relations.

 

‘Cercle Franco-Tanzanien’ will be launched at the residence of the French Ambassador to Tanzania, Malika Berak. Tanzania’s Ambassador to France, Begum Taj, is expected to be one of the dignitaries to grace the historic event. 

 

 “To become a member, one only requires interest in France, its language and its culture…it is not necessary that one should be fluent in the French language,” said Ambassador Berak in a press brief circulated to media yesterday. 

 

“We want people who have genuine interest in developing relations between Tanzania and France to have the opportunity to share their ideas,” she added.

“At the moment, the group consists of ten initial core members from both the Tanzanian and French sides that are to hold three major meeting sessions every year and interim meetings in between,” she explained.

 

The Ambassador went on to detail that the group members will at their various meetings, discuss topics such ranging from politics and science to culture, education and economic matters.

 

“Individuals in the group will benefit from various inputs to be presented by invited experts from Tanzania and France,” she said.

She said the group will receive support from another group of fifty in what she described as a ‘circles around circles’ model.

 

“They will hold intellectual discussions on key issues and promote local solutions to local problems,” the Ambassador said.

 

Growing from cultural focus, the friendship group will in future advocate for better trade relations and opportunities, employability and regional integration.

 

During the launch of ‘Cercle Franco-Tanzanien’ at the Ambassodors residence in Dar es Salaam, a range of activities will be held including a debate themed ‘The French Language in all its Forms’.

There will also be a concert performed by French artist Sophie Delmas accompanied by Franck Monbaylet.

 

The core founding members of the friendship group from Tanzania are Bernadette Majebelle (independent consultant in agriculture), Habib Mahlouji (President French school management board), Anthony Haji (director, CMC automobiles), Walter Bgoya (founder and MD of Mkuki na Nyota) and Ambassador Bertha E. Semu-Somi who is the Diplomat and consultant.

 

Core members on the France side include the French Ambassador to Tanzania, Malika Berak, Philipe Boncour (Head of cooperation and cultural affairs) and Bruno Minas (director, RFI-Kiswahili).

 

Speaking to The Guardian in an exclusive phone interview yesterday in the city, Head Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Counsellor Phillipe Boncour said building mutually beneficial relations is paramount to development of both nations.

 

“We must work hand in hand and put joint effort…this is a two way road it is not only for France also learn and likewise for Tanzania,” he said.

 

He cited ongoing cultural support by the embassy under his department’s leadership to include direct technical and financial support for various organisations and initiatives including major events like the annual Sauti za Busara and Jahazi Festival.

 

“Through Alliance Française in Dar es Salaam, and Arusha we reach out our support to local talents and community based initiatives,” he said.

 

Alliance Française is the premier French language institution offering a wide range of courses, from standard to tailored, to suit all levels

Summing up, the Counsellor said the newly formed group will serve as a vehicle that will drive both French and Tanzanian communities towards achieving sustainable growth in an inclusive and people centred manner.