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| Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim. |
Tanzania’s
historic contribution is not limited to the liberation of the Southern African
countries as many know; it is extended across the world. This time around, the
Government of the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) will in October 1st this
year award Tanzania the highest medal for her contribution on the China’s
return to the UN in early 1970’s.
The
award ceremony is part of the activities to mark 70th Anniversary
since the establishment of the Peoples’ Republic of China. The ceremonies have
been given a special attention that will include the military parade, says a
government release.
Chinese
President Xi Jinping will award, Tanzania, through its former Foreign Minister,
Ambassador Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, who will receive the highest China’s
Friendship Medal. Dr. Salim was a Tanzanian representative to the UN in 1971
when Tanzania led the African and third world block to support China’s US-sanctioned
return to the UN.
Dr.
Salim will be the first African from the continent and the third from outside
China to be awarded the medal. President Vladimir Putin of Russia was the first
person to be awarded the medal for his country’s assistance to China to secure
soft loans, capital and technology that contributed much to the development and
reforms of the nation.
The
second person outside China to receive the medal was the leader of Kazakhstan Nursultan
Abishuly Nazarbayev. Mr. Nazarbayev was awarded the medal because of his
country’s good neighbourhood and relationship with China in security and
economic sectors.
All
China’s cargoes to Europe pass through Kazakhstan. This makes the country a
special gateway to China’s strategic commercial relations.
Only
two countries from Africa namely: Tanzania and Zambia have been invited to
attend the ceremonies that will also feature technological and military exhibitions
to showcase Chinas reform path.
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