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The Russian naval training vessel Smolny has docked in Tanzania’s port city of Dar es Salaam, marking a significant moment in the deepening relationship between Moscow and Dodoma.
The stopover — Smolny’s fifth during its current long-range voyage — brought over 300 naval cadets to Tanzanian shores. Welcomed by senior Tanzanian officials and Russia’s ambassador, the visit included a reunion with Tanzanian nationals currently enrolled at Russia’s Naval Academy. While the vessel resupplied with fuel, food, and water, the stop carried diplomatic weight. It comes amid rising Russian engagement in East Africa, with Tanzania emerging as a key strategic partner. The visit follows South Africa’s recent refusal to grant the same vessel port entry — an act reportedly linked to trade negotiations with the United States.
Russia and Tanzania have expanded cooperation in recent years across defense, trade, and energy. In June 2024, both countries began efforts to conduct bilateral trade in national currencies, bypassing the U.S. dollar. Plans are also underway for a direct flight route between Moscow and Dar es Salaam. Meanwhile, the two nations recently broke ground on a $1.2 billion uranium processing plant in Namtumbo, highlighting growing energy cooperation. Tanzanian officials have also expressed openness to hosting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Analysts say Smolny’s visit underscores Moscow’s evolving role in Africa’s shifting geopolitical landscape.
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