everywhere, which goes thus: "A friend in need is a friend indeed". Ambassador Lu has been a genuine friend for our country. When there was hiccup here to do with IPTL, our country suffered a budgetary constraint. The National Development Bank of China immediately granted us a loan to the tune of 500 million dollars, thanks to the ambassador's behest.

Core in Chinese support to this country has been the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA} as mentioned at the launch of this perspective.

According to Ambassador Lu himself, China is ready for TAZARA's "upgrade in design, capital and technology".

Not only TAZARA - the Chinese ambassador has asked the Exim Bank of China to discuss with the Tanzanian side on the possibility of financing of the upgrading of the Tanzanian Central Railway Line.

ThenMagufuli Administration to the Chinese Government and people, including combating corruption, standing against laziness, holding every official accountable and delivering to the people of Tanzania. This has endeared President Magufuli to the love and trust of the Chinese Government and the people of China."

Now, thanks to the excellent tenure of office by Ambassador Lu, after the visit to Tanzania of Chinese President Xi Jinping the other day, Tanzania-China relations have been upgraded to the 'Comprehensive and Cooperative Partnership of Mutual Benefit and Win-win Alliance'.

In conclusion, as a Tanzanian, I should urge fellow Tanzanians to wish Ambassador Lu all the best as returns to his country and as a friend in need who is a genuine friend indeed.

Long Live the People's Republic of China! Long Live the United Republic