Tanzania–United States relations

Tanzania-United States relations are bilateral relations between Tanzania and the United States.

History

The U.S. has historically enjoyed very good relations with Tanzania. When terrorists bombed the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam on August 7, 1998, their relationship became even closer. This act horrified Tanzanians and Americans alike and also drew condemnation from around the world. In the aftermath of the bombing, U.S.-Tanzanian cooperation broadened to include areas such as anti-terrorism and law enforcement. President Benjamin Mkapa visited the U.S. in September 1999 with a delegation of business executives, reflecting the increased level of cooperation on trade and investment issues and Tanzania's commitment to economic liberalization. With the election of President Kikwete, the relationship has blossomed into warmer relations than at any time since Tanzania achieved independence. President Kikwete visited the U.S. in May 2006, meeting with Secretary Rice, Vice President Cheney, and, briefly, President Bush. He met President Bush in a private meeting in September 2006 In New York. Kikwete wants to broaden Tanzanian ties to the U.S. across all spheres, including political, economic, and military, and has been actively engaged in pursuing internal structural reforms to allow that to happen.

The U.S. Government provides assistance to Tanzania to support programs in the areas of health, environment, democracy, and development of the private sector. The U.S. Agency for International Development's program in Tanzania averages about $20 million per year. The Peace Corps program, revitalized in 1979, provides assistance in education through the provision of teachers. Peace Corps also is assisting in health and environment sectors. Currently, about 147 volunteers are serving in Tanzania. First Lady Laura Bush visited Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar in mid-July 2005.

Embassy

Principal U.S. Officials include:
* Ambassador--Mark A. Green
* Director, USAID--Pamela White
* Public Affairs Officer--Jeffrey A. Salaiz

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania is located in Dar es Salaam. The consulate on Zanzibar was closed on June 15, 1979.

See also

* Foreign relations of Tanzania
* Foreign relations of the United States

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2843.htm]