Tanzanian Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Saturday Tanzania will continue cherishing and strengthening relations with China for the benefit of the peoples of the two friendly countries.

Hassan made the pledge during celebrations marking the Chinese New Year held at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. The celebrations were attended by Chinese and Tanzanians resident in the capital.

The Vice-President said China has been Tanzania's major development partner since time immemorial, adding that relations between the two countries were ever thriving.

Suluhu assured Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Lu Youqing, that President John Magufuli's administration will work closely with the Chinese government in enhancing trade, education, health and culture.

"Tanzania has a lot to learn from China, especially in economic development undertakings which the Far East country has done wonderfully well," said Hassan.

For his part, Ambassador Lu hailed Tanzania for measures it was taking to fight corruption.

On January 14, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa commended China for banning ivory trade and urged other countries across the world to follow suit.

"The banning of ivory trade in other countries like what China has done will lead to ending poaching in Tanzania," said Mkapa, who ruled Tanzania between 1995 and 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2017)