Samia dismisses East-West divide, says Tanzania chooses partners, not blocs
President Samia Suluhu Hassan with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026), held at the ExpoForum Convention Centre on the outskirts of St Petersburg, Russia, on June 5, 2026. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE.
St Petersburg. President Hassan has dismissed suggestions that her state visit to Russia signals a shift in Tanzania's foreign policy orientation, insisting that the country remains committed to its long-standing principle of non-alignment.
Speaking during an interview with Tanzanian journalists on the sidelines of the 29th St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) on Friday, June 5, President Hassan said Tanzania does not choose between East and West but works with all countries in pursuit of national development.
