President of Guinea-Bissau Visits TRC to Observe SGR Railway Activities

The President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, visited the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) on June 22, 2024, to observe the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

President Embaló, who is in the country for a working visit, toured the TRC to witness the progress and achievements in the transport sector, including the construction of the SGR and the recent commencement of SGR train operations.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. David Kihenzile, stated that President Embaló’s visit to Tanzania demonstrates how the SGR construction has inspired many African countries to invest in the railway transport sector.

“Seeing the President of another country come to Tanzania to see how Tanzanians have accomplished this is something to be thankful for, first to God and second to our President, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has brought us here,” said Hon. Kihenzile.

Furthermore, Kihenzile added that the visit by President Umaro signifies the excellence and efficiency of the Tanzanian Government’s performance through the TRC.

“The visit of the President of Guinea-Bissau to us means that we are doing a good job that is appreciated and recognised by our peers, so we are in a good place,” added the Deputy Minister.

The Director-General of the Tanzania Railways Corporation, Mr Masanja Kungu Kadogosa, said that President Embaló’s visit would enhance business cooperation between Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau through the SGR construction.

“We are very grateful for the visit of the President of Guinea-Bissau. I know it is a decision by the President of the Republic of Tanzania to bring her guest, and for us as an institution and our board, it is a matter of pride considering there are more than 300 government institutions, but President Embaló chose to visit the TRC,” said Kadogosa.

It is worth noting that the construction of the standard gauge railway will boost the trade sector between Tanzania and East African and SADC Community countries.