President of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, will embark on a national visit to the Vatican from February 11–12, 2024, following an invitation from the Catholic Church's leader, Pope Francis.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister January Makamba stated that the purpose is to strengthen the bilateral ties between Tanzania and the Vatican. He mentioned that President Samia's visit comes after a 2016 invitation by the late Dr. John Pombe Magufuli to Pope Francis, which couldn't materialize then for various reasons, including health concerns.
During the Vatican visit, President Samia will engage in discussions with Pope Francis and the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin. Prior to this, she will also undertake a national visit to Indonesia from January 24–26, following an invitation from President Joko Widodo. This reciprocal visit follows President Joko Widodo's national visit to Tanzania in August 2023.
President Samia will additionally embark on a national visit to Norway from February 13–14, 2024, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Norway, following an invitation from King Harald and Queen Sonja.