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The Hague, Friday, May 9, 2026. The Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ms. Caroline Kitana Chipera, warmly welcomed guests to a festive reception in honor of National Union Day. “This special day highlights the values of unity and cooperation, reminding all of us how important it is to come together to achieve our shared goals. It encourages the wonderful people of Tanzania to uphold solidarity and peace in their communities. National Union Day celebrates the beautiful union of the island of Zanzibar and Tanganyika. This historic partnership was inspired by the great vision of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume, rooted in principles of equity, self-reliance (Ujamaa), and mutual respect for one another.”
In her welcome speech, Ambassador Kitana Chipera stated the following:
“Ambassador Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Sahara Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. Salvatory Mbilinyi, Director, Department of Diaspora of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, United Republic of Tanzania, Ms. Stijn Janseen, Special envoy for the Horn of Africa and Head of Division, East and Southern Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, all representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Excellencies, distinguished guests, a very good evening to you!
To my Tanzanian colleagues, Wakati tunaanza kwa kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu kwa kutujalia uhai na baraka zake kukutana katika siku hii muhimu, Nawasilimu kwa jina la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.
“It is with great honour, and on behalf of the Government and the People of The United Republic of Tanzania, I extend a very warm welcome to you all as we gather this evening to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. In Tanzania, we would say, Karibuni sana. Director Jelte, and all representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I am humbled and grateful that you have taken time, a midst your busy schedules, to join us and grace this important occasion to Tanzania. Your presence here this evening is a clear testament to the enduring commitment you hold towards strengthening the cordial and long-standing diplomatic relations between the United Republic of Tanzania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
We gather with pride and reverence to mark a moment that forever altered the course of our nation’s history. April 26th, 1964, is not just a date on the calendar, it is a defining chapter in Tanzanian story. It is the day when two sovereign nations, Tanganyika and Zanzibar came together in unity, hope, and purpose, to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The country we proudly call our home.
This union was not just a political agreement; it represented a bold vision and an expression of shared values and mutual respect. In a world still healing from colonial divisions, Tanzania emerged as a beacon of solidarity and partnership. Our founding leaders, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, carved their names in history not for personal gain, but for their lasting legacy of unity, peace, and patriotism. Their wisdom and dedication laid the foundation for the nation we hold dear today. From Zanzibar to Mainland Tanzania, our diversity—encompassing 120 tribes and two major religions, Christianity and Islam—is a source of strength. Our cultures, Kiswahili language, and traditions unite us, fostering a commitment to cooperation and inclusive. These principles underpin our national journey. Today, we see the benefits of unity in our economic growth, social progress, gender equity, and good governance.
Ambassador Caroline Chipeta and Ambassador Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Sahara Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
According to an IMF report released in April 2025, our inflation has fallen to 3.3%, down from 4.9% last year, while our GDP growth has reached an impressive 5.9% in the past quarter. These figures not only underscore the resilience of our economy but also reflect the Sixth Government’s steadfast commitment to reforms that support an inclusive and prosperous future for all Tanzanians. Our democracy continues to deepen under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Through the 4Rs philosophy of Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuild, Tanzania has cultivated a more participatory and peaceful political culture. This renewed spirit of dialogue, championed by the Sixth-Phase Government, reaffirms our commitment to democratic principles and national harmony, which are crucial as we approach the upcoming general elections later this year.
For over six decades, our two nations have fostered a relationship built on mutual respect, shared values, and genuine collaboration. The Netherlands has stood beside Tanzania as a steadfast development partner, contributing meaningfully to key sectors such as agriculture, water, health, education, infrastructure, energy, and trade.
Part of the big group of ambassadors attending Tanzania National Day 2025 in The Hague.
The Netherlands ranks among the top ten countries with significant investments in Tanzania, a reflection of the confidence and commitment Dutch partners continue to place in our nation. Over 100 Dutch companies including Philips, Heineken, KLM, Unilever, Ballast Nedam, ZF DEVCO, Rabobank, BAM, Shell, just to mention a few, have been actively engaged across diverse sectors in Tanzania. There are also a number of Dutch Tour Operators as well NGOs doing great work in Tanzania, working closely with the Government. These partnerships are not only driving economic progress, but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our peoples.
Director Jelte, It may be recalled that, among the points in the journey of our cordial diplomatic relations took place when our then Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, paid a working visit to the Kingdom of the 5 Netherlands in November 2023 and during that landmark visit, he held constructive bilateral talks with his counterpart the then Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. As a result of the meaningful discussions and commitments made, we have witnessed notable surge in interest from Dutch companies seeking to invest in or expand their operations in Tanzania. Just this past March, the Embassy together with the Tanzania Investment Centre and the Netherlands–Africa Business Council successfully organized a multi sectoral Trade and Investment Mission to Tanzania. The mission further cemented our shared commitment to fostering sustainable, and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.
Since such high-level exchanges are vital in advancing our shared priorities and deepening strategic collaboration, as we build on these promising developments, we are very much looking forward to a return visit to Tanzania by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, of the Netherlands.
Under the visionary leadership of Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, I assure you that these bonds of friendship and collaboration will not only endure but will continue to flourish, anchored in trust, shared prosperity, and global solidarity.
Equally, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to recognize your invaluable contribution, and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in nurturing and advancing the enduring ties between our nations. Through its various institutions including the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Invest International, NUFFIC/OKP, the Netherlands–Africa Business Council (NABC), and through a number Dutch universities, the Ministry has played a pivotal role in supporting impact, long-term partnerships.
H.E. Mr. Francis Danti Kotia, Ambassador of Ghana, H.E. Ms Caroline Chipeta, Ambassador of Tanzania and Mrs. Kotia.
These collaborations have transcended institutions and empowered individuals and communities, driving inclusive development and mutual prosperity. The Dutch commitment to knowledge-sharing, innovation, and private-sector engagement has enriched our cooperation and brought our two nations closer together, both in purpose and practice.
It is also my great pleasure to recognize representatives of some of the Dutch Companies that have chosen to invest in our country. We sincerely thank you for your confidence in our nation,our people and our future. We see you not just as investors, but as valued partners in our journey towards sustainable development and inclusive growth. Your investments have created jobs, transferred knowledge, stimulated innovation and strengthened our economic foundation. My Government remains committed to fostering a stable, transparent and welcoming environment for all who wish to contribute to our progress because we believe, together we are building a future shared success.
The Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands, H.E. Caroline Chipeta.
Thank you for believing in our country
It is with great honour and deep respect, that I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on the occasion of his 58th birthday, celebrated on 26 April this year. We join the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in marking this joyous occasion and wish His Majesty continued good health, happiness, and fulfillment in his service to this great nation.
To my fellow Tanzanians residing in the Netherlands, you remain an essential and cherished part of our national fabric. The responsibility to safeguard the Union, uphold our shared values, and contributing to the building of our nation rests with each and every one of us, home and abroad. Let us carry forward the timeless ideals of unity, patriotism and brotherhood that defined the birth of our Union and continue to guide us on our national journey.
Let our being here as “Tanzanians” continue to symbolize unity, hope, and determination. Let us teach our children the meaning of our Union, not just as a historical fact, but as a living lesson in the power of unity and the promise of collective destiny. May we always stand together as one people, one nation, and one future. Importantly to remember is that, while in the Netherlands, you are the reflection of Tanzania and Tanzanians.
Mrs. Yvonne Madonsela, H.E. Ambassador Caroline Chipeta and the Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. Vusi Madonsela.
Please keep holding high that Flag
Our distinguished guests, Let me pause here to recognize with appreciation my colleagues at the Embassy and the Tanzanian diaspora community through their leaders who have worked tirelessly with the Embassy to make this event memorable. Among other activities, I believe you have taken time to taste Tanzanian Food prepared by Tanzanian ladies in the diaspora.
Happy Union Day! Asanteni sana. Dank u wel. Thank you so much.”
Ambassador Jelte van Wieren, Director for Sub-Sahara Africa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, also delivered an address.
Looking back, Ambassador Caroline Kitana Chipera joyfully celebrated the 61st anniversary of Tanzania National Union Day with a vibrant two-day event in The Hague and Rijswijk was truly a memorable occasion filled with joy and connection.
