President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb, accompanied by his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, payed a state visit to the United Republic of Tanzania on 14–16 May 2025. The state visit celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Tanzania.
Wednesday 14 May, Dar es Salaam
Julius Nyerere International Airport. Children presented flowers to the President Stubb and Mrs Innes-Stubb as a welcome gesture at the airport in Daar es Salaam. The guests were also greeted by dancers and singers waving small Finnish flags.
State House. President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan received President Stubb and Mrs Innes-Stubb at her official residence. The State House, known as ‘Ikulu’ in Swahili, is located right on the coast of the Indian Ocean. The state visit ceremonies included the national anthems, an inspection of the Guard of Honour, greetings the delegations, the signing of the guest book and a group photo.
Video recording of the welcoming ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
During the bilateral talks, which lasted about an hour, the Presidents discussed bilateral relations between Finland and Tanzania, geopolitical changes, global challenges and their impact on African countries and Europe.
The state visit delegation also included Member of Parliament Saara-Sofia Sirén, and Member of Parliament, Vice Chair of the Finnish Parliament Group on Global Issues Inka Hopsu
Press conference. “It is a great honour to be here celebrating the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. We are long-standing partners, and this visit strengthens our shared commitment to expanding our relations towards a more comprehensive partnership,” President Stubb said at the press conference. We strongly believe in an equal partnership in business and trade – as well as in world politics.”
President Stubb stated that Tanzania has a special place in the heart of the Finns. There are many reasons for this, but one is President Martti Ahtisaari, who served as ambassador to Tanzania in the 1970s.
State Banquet. The first day ended with a state banquet hosted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Ikululu.
Thursday 15 May, Dar es Salaam
President Martti Ahtisaari Legacy Seminar. “Tanzania had a very special role in Martti’s life and career.
In many ways, is was here that he began his career as a mediator,” President Stubb said in his speech at the seminar.
Former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari was appointed Ambassador of Finland in Dar es Salaam in 1973 and lived here for four years. “In Martti, empathy and optimism were combined with crude realism. He saw the world as it was and acted accordingly.” The seminar was organised by the CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania and the Tanzanian Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
- Speech by President Alexander Stubb at the Martti Ahtisaari Legacy Seminar
- Video recording of the Martti Ahtisaari Legacy Seminar
UNDP Innovation Week. Next, President Stubb delivered the keynote speech at the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Innovation seminar, held at the Julius Nyerere Conference Centre.
Interviews. President Stubb was interviewed by Tanzanian TBC TV 1 and The Citizen/Mwananchi daily newpaper.
Luncheon discussion. Finnish Ambassador to Tanzania, Theresa Zitting, hosted a luncheon discussion on geopolitics and conflicts at her official residence. The luncheon was attended by Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs Mahmoud Thabit Kombo.
National Museum of Tanzania. The Director General of the National Museum, Noel Biseko Lwoga, gave a guided tour of the museum’s collections.
At the end of the tour, President Stubb presented the National Museum a photo gift of photographs documenting meetings between the Presidents of Finland and Tanzania over the years. In his speech, the President emphasized that since Tanzania’s independence, Finland and Tanzania have enjoyed a relationship based on mutual respect and friendship.
Ambassador’s reception. Theresa Zitting, Finnish Ambassador to Tanzania, held a formal reception in honour of the state visit. Before the reception, the presidential couple met Tanzanians who had previously studied in Finland and Finns living in Tanzania who are involved in cooperation projects.
Friday 16 May, Dar es Salaam
Business seminar. The President gave a speech at a business seminar focusing on healthcare and the built environment organised by Business Finland.
As in Kenya, the state visiting delegation to Tanzania also included a business delegation. One of the goals of the trip was to help Finnish companies in the East African market. “I am accompanied by Finnish companies from sectors such as healthcare, ICT, and energy. The economies of Kenya and Tanzania are growing and the population is young. The countries are strategically located. There are many opportunities,” said President Stubb.
Botanical Gardens. Together with Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Pindi H. Chana, President Stubb launched the bilateral FORLAND forestry project in the Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens. The aim of the project is to promote sustainable and inclusive forestry. In his speech, the President stressed that Finland has some of the best forestry expertise in the world.
At the beginning of the visit, the President and Minister planted a tree in the Botanical Gardens in honour of the project.
Machinga Complex. The presidential couple visited the Machinga Complex market, where around 500 female entrepreneurs operate. The market established as a joint project between Finland and UN Women, The entrepreneurs engage in a wide range of businesses, such as selling fabrics, clothing, vegetables and shoes. The project strengthens women’s political and economic participation through entrepreneurship training, among other things.
Departure ceremony. President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan bid farewell to President Stubb in front of the State House.
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During the state visit to Tanzania, Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb followed a separate programme alongside the presidential couple’s joint agenda. On Thursday 15 May, she travelled to Zanzibar, where she met the First Lady of Zanzibar Mariam Mwiny, the Minister for Gender Equality and representatives of organisations focusing on the protection of women’s and girls’ rights. She also met with representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). On Friday 16 May, Mrs Innes-Stubb attended a graduation ceremony at the Uongozi Institute for Sustainable Development, where she also gave a speech.
