ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi is set to begin a three-day official visit to India today, with strengthening the long-standing historical and diplomatic relations between Tanzania and the Asian nation high on the agenda.
According to a statement issued by the Zanzibar State House Directorate of Communication, President Mwinyi’s bilateral talks will focus on expanding cooperation in education, trade, investment, health, science, technology, culture and people-topeople exchanges.
During his stay in Chennai, President Mwinyi will serve as the Guest of Honour at the 63rd Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), scheduled for tomorrow.
The statement said his participation reflects the growing partnership between Zanzibar and the prestigious institution, particularly in higher education. The President is also expected to discuss the development of the IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar, the institution’s first campus established outside India.
He will hold talks with the university’s leadership on areas of mutual collaboration and tour its research, innovation and technology facilities.
The engagements are expected to provide valuable insights into India’s experience in advancing higher education, research, technological innovation and knowledgedriven economic growth.
In New Delhi, President Mwinyi will meet India’s Vice-President, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, and Minister for External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
The discussions will centre on strengthening political, economic and diplomatic relations while exploring new opportunities for cooperation in key sectors, including education, technology, health, trade and investment.
The State House said the visit is expected to open new avenues for cooperation, strengthen economic diplomacy and promote knowledge and technology transfer.
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It also aligns with the Zanzibar Government’s vision of transforming the Isles into a regional hub for education, research and innovation in East Africa.
The visit follows an official invitation from VicePresident Radhakrishnan. President Mwinyi will be accompanied by the First Lady of Zanzibar, Mariam Mwinyi, and other senior government officials.