Tanzania celebrates King Charles III

Dar es Salaam. On May 11, the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam celebrated the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a grand reception at the residence of the High Commissioner, David Concar.

The Dar es Salaam event followed the historic coronation ceremony, which took place at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, 2023.

The Guest of Honour in Dar es Salaam was Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Stergomena Tax, alongside other government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and representatives across Tanzania’s public and private sectors, the arts, and the UK Community in Tanzania.

In his speech, Concar said that the coronation ceremony was a pivotal global occasion and an important moment for international relationship building.

“This was the UK reaffirming its passion for connecting with the world. Including through the institution of the Commonwealth,” he said.

The envoy talked about the close ties between the UK and Tanzania. “We go back a long way, but we are not stuck in our shared past or limited by the more difficult aspects of our relationship. We have worked hard together to evolve a modern partnership based on three pillars: respect, a shared commitment to promoting development, and wonderful people-to-people links.”

The robust trade relations between Tanzania and the UK were also referenced as the two countries look to deepen economic ties. “Growing mutually beneficial trade and investment is crucial to this modern partnership, so it is great that we have Lord Walney (the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Tanzania) with us this week, who has been visiting businesses and participating in a trade fair,” said Concar.

He also talked about concerted efforts to boost economic growth.

“The biggest developmental challenges of our time—ingrained poverty and climate change—need to be addressed by multi-partner efforts and by making best use of the financial firepower of multilateral financial institutions like the World Bank, IMF, and Africa Development Bank, which I know are well represented in Tanzania.”

Addressing the guests, Minister Tax expressed her gratitude for the expanding relationship between Tanzania and the UK, acknowledging that despite the geographical distance, the two countries share a common purpose under the auspices of the Commonwealth.