Zanzibar — CANADA and Cuba will continue to support Zanzibar's efforts towards achieving its development goals for the well-being of the people of the Isles.

In separate meetings with President Ali Mohamed Shein at the State House, Canadian High Commissioner, Mr Alexandre Leveque and the Cuban Ambassador Mr Jorge Luis Lopes Tormo said their countries were happy with the cordial relations the two countries enjoy.

According to the Zanzibar State House Press Officer, Mr Said Ameir, Canada has expressed satisfaction with the performance of both the Zanzibar and union government. Canada has been supporting Zanzibar's vision 2020 and Tanzania mainland's vision 2025, alongside antipoverty initiatives under MUKA and MKUKUTA programme.

Education, health, good governance also receive support from Canada. Cuba which was among the first countries to recognize Zanzibar's 1964 revolution has been supporting health development in the islands, as Ambassador Tormo called for strengthened relations.

Shein thanked the two countries for their continued support, saying Zanzibar has been recording success in solving various challenges in social, political, and economical development.