DAR ES SALAAM, June 7 -- PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has underscored Tanzanias commitment to maintaining strong relations with global partners without aligning itself to any geopolitical bloc, saying the country will continue to work with all nations that can contribute to its economic development.

Speaking to journalists accompanying her during her state visit to Russia, she said Tanzanias relationship with Russia dates back to the countrys independence in 1961, noting that the Soviet Union was among the first nations to recognise Tanganyika, Zanzibars revolutionary government in 1964 and later the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

She said Russia played a significant role in Africas liberation struggles and later supported the conti...