By Ebi Kesiena
Denmark has disclosed plans to close its embassy in Tanzania, as it restructures its foreign service in order to deliver on the government’s priorities, it announced Friday.
In the statement on Friday, the Denmark government noted that it will also close its embassy in Argentina, its Consulate General in Chongqing, China and Trade Mission in Barcelona, Spain, noting that this will contribute to the implementation of the country’s new strategy for development cooperation.
According to Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeppe Kofod, the reorganisation is to help the government assess its efforts both in Denmark and out in the world, so that it can make the biggest possible difference.
“My first priority as Minister of Foreign Affairs is to ensure the security and safety of the Danish people in a world where democracy, human rights, and our values are coming under increasing pressure.
“The government of Denmark will at a later stage present a new foreign and security policy strategy which will include the restructuring of the country’s reorganised relations with other blocks such as the European Union, EU, The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, the United Nations, UN, the Arctic and Africa,” he stated.
Tanzania and Denmark have enjoyed outstanding relations over the years. Many politicians, government officials, scientists, business owners, religious leaders and civil society actors from respective nations, have formed close relations and engaged in constructive and lively discussions.
The East African nation was the first African country with which Denmark initiated a development assistance partnership in 1963, shortly after the Tanzanian mainland, called Tanganyika, became independent.
