Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo held a bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development Hon. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim in Port Louis, Mauritius, to strengthen bilateral relations through expanded cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.
The talks took place as a side event during the 9th Indian Ocean Conference, which concluded on 12 April 2026 underscored the growing engagement between Tanzania and Singapore, with both ministers emphasising the need to translate longstanding diplomatic ties into tangible economic outcomes.
During their talk, the ministers highlighted the strategic positioning of their countries as regional gateways: Tanzania to East Africa and Africa at large and Singapore to Asia, creating opportunities for increased market access and deeper economic partnerships.
Ambassador Kombo outlined Tanzania’s interest in attracting more Singaporean investment in key sectors, including ports, transport, infrastructure, technology, and climate-related initiatives, noting that Singapore’s expertise could significantly support national development priorities.
He pointed in particular to Singapore’s global reputation in port management and efficient economic systems as areas where cooperation could yield immediate benefits for Tanzania’s growth agenda.
On his part, Hon. Zhulkarnain expressed Singapore’s readiness to deepen cooperation through knowledge exchange and technical collaboration in areas such as innovation, trade facilitation, agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.
The ministers also discussed regional and global issues, including maritime security, international trade, and the blue economy, agreeing to maintain close engagement through regional and international platforms while expressing optimism about the future of bilateral relations.
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