The stopover emphasizes Tanzania’s developing importance as a strategic partner while highlighting Moscow’s expanding naval and diplomatic presence in East Africa.
“In the port, the Baltic sailors and cadets were welcomed by the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United Republic of Tanzania and Tanzania’s Minister of Defense and National Service,” the fleet’s press service noted.
The Smolny stopped in Tanzania’s main port with over 300 navy cadets on board to restock on food, gasoline, and drinking water.
Many Tanzanian cadets who are now enrolled at Russia’s Naval Academy also had a unique occasion during the visit.
They disembarked in their homeland following hands-on instruction onboard the ship, as per the Russian News Agency.
“Visiting Tanzania was the fifth port call in a foreign country for the Smolny crew as part of the long-range voyage. The vessel previously docked in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe in the island country of Central Africa, Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo, and Cape Town in South Africa,” the fleet stated.
This port visit is more than simply a typical naval drill; it occurs at a time when Russia and Tanzania are rapidly strengthening their bilateral ties.
Russia and Tanzania
In recent years, both countries have stated a desire to strengthen cooperation in commerce, defense, and transportation.
In October of last year, Russia emphasized Tanzania’s geographic advantage on the East African coast, citing its access to landlocked neighbors and its importance as a commercial center.
That geopolitical location has piqued not just Moscow’s interest, but also broader international interest as global powers compete for larger footholds in Africa.
Tanzania and Russia are becoming more economically integrated.
Andrey Avetisyan, Tanzania’s ambassador to Russia, disclosed in June 2024 that both nations are striving to enhance bilateral commerce in their national currencies, a move perceived as an attempt to avoid reliance on the US dollar.
Transportation linkages have also been discussed.
In February, conversations began about constructing a direct aircraft route between Moscow and Dar es Salaam, which, if successful, would boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
