Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Wednesday at the Kremlin with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, focusing on expanding cooperation.

According to Anadolu Agency, during one-on-one talks, Putin noted that trade between Russia and Tanzania grew by 20%-25% last year, which he described as "a good indicator" of the potential for further collaboration. He emphasized the need for both countries to increase cooperation in various sectors, including energy, geological exploration, transportation, logistics, health care, and education.

Putin expressed satisfaction that President Hassan chose Russia as her first foreign country for a state visit following her inauguration, seeing it as a positive sign for bilateral relations.

President Hassan highlighted that her visit aims to strengthen cooperation and promote sustainable development for both nations. She noted the historic significance of her visit, recalling that it is the first state visit to Russia by a Tanzanian leader since 1969, when the founding father of Tanzania made a state visit.