Dear Acting City Director,
Ambassador Mwamweta,
Ambassador Terstegen,
Members of the Consular Corps,
Members of the Hamburg Parliament,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to the Senate’s reception celebrating 15 years of the city partnership between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam. It is an honor to have you here, and I would like to extend a special welcome to our guests from Tanzania, as well as to all partners of the sister city program in Hamburg and Dar es Salaam.
Karibu sana — welcome to Hamburg!
Through trade and shipping, our cities have been connected for over 100 years. The exchange of goods brought our cities together. At that time, coal-fired steamships connected ports around the globe, setting in motion global trade and cultural interaction.
The colonial era had many dark aspects that are still felt today. In our city partnership, our shared history plays an important role. We are proud of our friendship with Dar es Salaam, which has grown over the last 15 years.
On July 1, 2010, Hamburg and Dar es Salaam signed their first city twinning agreement. The partnership is lively and supported by over 100 organizations in both cities.
Partners from Dar es Salaam and Hamburg are working together successfully to advance economic opportunities and promote sustainable development.
- The composting plant in Mabwepande, built with support from Hamburg, turns organic waste from Dar es Salaam's markets into high-quality humus. It is regarded as a flagship project throughout Africa.
- For many years, Hamburg firefighters have voluntarily trained their Tanzanian colleagues, for example in protecting people in high-rise buildings.
- The "Water-Conscious Urban Development" program strengthens the resilience of Dar es Salaam and Hamburg against climate change and is supported by the German government.
Today, Hamburg and Dar es Salaam signed a new joint declaration defining the agenda for our partnership over the next three years. Our exchange will focus on urban sustainability issues:
- climate mitigation and adaptation,
- sustainable city planning,
- water and waste management,
- green spaces, such as botanical gardens,
- public health, and
- intercultural, bilateral learning between young people in both cities.
Hamburg is looking forward to continuing its partnership with Dar es Salaam.
The people of our two cities share a close friendship. They meet during exchange trips organized by schools, youth organizations, churches, and artistic groups. This weekend, people from Dar es Salaam and Hamburg came together to celebrate at the “Lion meets seagull” anniversary party in Hamburg's Planten un Blomen park. Over the past 15 years, the city partnership between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam provided a strong framework for our cooperation in education, science, culture, and business.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dar es Salaam and Hamburg share a rich maritime tradition and globally connected ports. Both cities are characterized by cultural diversity and a commitment to sustainability.
The activities that shape our partnership are driven by the tremendous dedication of citizens and organizations in both cities.
On behalf of the Hamburg Senate, I would like to thank you all for your efforts. Congratulations on 15 years of city partnership between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam!
Dear Ms. Msuya,
In Hamburg and northern Germany, we have a tradition of crafting model ships in bottles called "Buddelschiffe," which are closely connected to our maritime history.
Today, I have a special gift for you: A Buddelschiff with a dhow, the historic boat of the Indian Ocean that is often seen in the port of Dar es Salaam. It was built by Klaus Lingenauber.
This "ship in a bottle" unites Northern German and Tanzanian maritime traditions. It symbolizes 15 years of close friendship between Hamburg and Dar es Salaam.
Thank you very much.
