Muscat: Both Omanis and the Tanzanian diaspora are looking to improve centuries-old ties between the two countries following the visit of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to Oman.

The President is currently in Oman on a three-day visit but for Omanis and Tanzanians her visit will open a new chapter in strengthening personal bonds between them in different fields.

Many of them have families living in both countries.

“I still have many relatives living in Tanzania and we are working to import cashew nuts and also start a packaging company there. It is family connection that works well in business between the two countries,” Khalfan Al Subhi, an importer based in Muscat, told Times of Oman.

But for some, the visit of President Hassan is something more than just investment and trade. It is the cultural link between the two communities that has culminated into her visit to Oman.

“It is a history that has endured for many centuries and stood the test of time. Both Omanis and Tanzanians are proud of the link. There have been intermarriages between the two people that go back to ages. So President Hassan’s visit is really a celebration of the memorable ties,” Abdulla Al Harthy, an Omani who was born in Tanzania, told Times of Oman.

The Tanzanian diaspora in Oman number over 30,000 and is engaged in different sectors, including teaching, information technology, engineering and oil and gas.

The two countries are now collaborating to build tourism resorts through Omran and set up joint industries as part of the advanced negotiations between the two governments. Oman and Tanzania officials also are engaged in discussions to establish joint offshore oil and gas explorations.

According to statistics, about 25,000 Omanis travel to Tanzania every year for holiday or for visiting relatives in different parts of the country.