Political consultations with Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mbarouk N. Mbarouk, focused on both the bilateral and global agenda. Tlapa explained to his partner the attitude of Czech diplomacy towards Russian aggression in Ukraine and asked Tanzania to support the principle of maintaining the immutability of territorial integrity and respect for international law. In the bilateral area, both sides agreed on the need to modernize the contractual base and mutual support of trade and investment activities. M. Tlapa introduced the partner to the proposal of a candidate for the honorary consul of the Czech Republic in Tanzania.

Consultations in Rwanda took place with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nshuti Manasseh. A very friendly atmosphere of mutual relations was mentioned, which has intensified recently. M. Tlapa appreciated the Rwandan decision to open an embassy in Prague and promised all-round assistance in this process. In the matter of Russian aggression and its condemnation, Rwanda is among the African states that supported us in the UN vote. Rwanda strongly perceives the danger that stems from the violation of international law, the sovereignty of states and the inviolability of state borders. The importance of close cooperation in the field of security in the context of current world developments was also noted at the meeting with Deputy Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhorany.

Meetings at Ministries of Health of both countries – with the Minister of Health of Tanzania Ummy Mwalimu and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda Zachee Iyakaremy –  were very beneficial. The meetings provided the necessary insight into the health care organization system and the specific needs of the departments. Both countries have the provision of quality healthcare as one of their government priorities. Both Rwanda and Tanzania are trying to switch to a compulsory health insurance system, but this also brings with it challenges in the form of the quality of services provided. The partners therefore welcomed the opportunity to help finance purchases of high-quality Czech medical equipment, which was presented by representatives of the Association of Manufacturers and Distributors of Medical Devices and by individual companies.

Deputy Minister Tlapa together with the management of the Association presented the concept of Czech Centers of Excellence. This should provide not only top equipment for selected healthcare workplaces, but also training and education of professionals – medical staff and technical maintenance. There should be only a few such centres in Africa, and both Tanzania and Rwanda were selected for the pilot phase of the project. The Rwandan and Tanzanian sides have shown great interest in the solution, and negotiations on practical steps to establish these centres will directly follow the visit of Deputy Minister Tlapa’s delegation.