FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, January Makamba, has expressed appreciation for the diplomatic cooperation between Tanzania and China, describing it as exceptional.

The former minister made these remarks following his visit to the Chinese Naval ship named ‘Peace Ark’, which has been docked in Dar es Salaam since July 16, 2024, offering a free medical camp.

During his visit, Makamba also met Naza Fadhili, the first Tanzanian woman to give birth aboard the ‘Peace Ark’.

Accompanied by the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, Makamba visited over the weekend and commended the medical team on board the ship for their efforts during their third visit to Tanzania.

"Indeed, you are doing a wonderful job," he remarked.

Naza Fadhili shared with the former minister that she named her son Zakhir, expressing gratitude to the doctors who ensured her safe delivery.

"The Chinese Naval Hospital Ship ‘Peace Ark’ has provided free humanitarian treatment to 5,000 patients so far, up until last Sunday," reported Rear Admiral Ying Hongbo, the Peace Ark Mission Commander.

Strategic support began shortly after the ship arrived at Dar es Salaam port, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Tanzania-China bilateral cooperation, which also involved the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (CPLA).

Since its inception, Ark Peace has conducted nine Mission Harmony initiatives, providing medical services in 46 countries and regions across three oceans and six continents since 2010, benefiting over 290,000 people. It is renowned as the ‘Ship of Life’.