The 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union took place in Arusha on 5–9 October. The Ukrainian delegation, led by First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko, used this international platform to strengthen support for Ukraine and develop partnerships with African countries.

An important part of the programme was meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Mussa Azzan Zungu, and Tanzanian parliamentarians, with the participation of Oleksandr Sanchenko, Head of the Verkhovna Rada’s Parliamentary Friendship Group with Tanzania.

The two sides agreed to revitalise parliamentary friendship groups, strengthen cooperation between relevant committees and hold online meetings. The resumption of the Tanzania–Ukraine Friendship Group’s activities in Tanzania’s Parliament will be an important step towards implementing joint initiatives.

Particular attention was paid to education. Ukraine is ready to share its expertise in vocational and agricultural training, engage Ukrainian educators and develop distance learning opportunities.

Discussions also covered opportunities to expand trade, attract investment and supply Ukrainian agricultural and food products to the Tanzanian market.

Food security was the focus of “Bread Unites the World”, an event organised by the Ukrainian delegation that brought together parliamentarians from more than 15 countries. Ukraine emphasised that Russian attacks on ports and civilian vessels threaten reliable food supplies, including to African countries. Safe navigation in the Black Sea is in our shared interest.

Overall, the Ukrainian delegation held 23 bilateral meetings and consultations, advancing the protection of civilians, the return of deported children and unlawfully detained citizens, and accountability for Russian aggression.

We thank our Tanzanian counterparts for their open dialogue and look forward to continued parliamentary engagement and the implementation of joint educational and economic initiatives.