SEOUL: THE Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Dr Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has urged Tanzanians living in Korea to continue serving as ambassadors of their country by promoting Tanzania’s investment, trade and tourism opportunities.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Tanzanian diaspora in Seoul on Sunday, Dr Kombo stressed the importance of Tanzanians abroad understanding the cultures, languages, laws and social systems of their host countries in order to integrate effectively and build beneficial relationships.
He said a good understanding of the host country’s environment enables diaspora communities to identify economic and social opportunities that can benefit both themselves and Tanzania while strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
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The minister also encouraged Tanzanians in Korea to use their professional, social and business networks to market Tanzania and its vast opportunities. He noted that through their connections and partnerships, diaspora members are well positioned to attract investors, tourists and development partners to Tanzania.
Dr Kombo further called on Tanzanian students pursuing higher education in Korea to focus on research aimed at addressing key challenges facing Tanzania, particularly in the sectors of health, water, education and environmental conservation.
He urged the diaspora community to maintain unity, patriotism and good moral values in order to uphold Tanzania’s positive image in Korea and across the international community.
On her part, President of the Tanzanian Diaspora Community in Korea, Ms Eliusta Filikunjombe, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working closely with the government in promoting opportunities available in Tanzania and strengthening people-to-people relations between Tanzania and the Republic of Korea.
Earlier, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Korea, Mr Noel Kaganda, said the Tanzanian diaspora community in the Asian nation comprises about 300 people, including workers, businesspeople and students.
Dr Kombo is in Korea to participate in the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which brings together ministers to discuss cooperation and partnership between African countries and the Republic of Korea.