DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- UK's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, on Thursday pledged to continue supporting Tanzania in its anti-poaching crusade.

Prince William, who is on a three-day official visit to the east African nation, made the pledge during talks with President John Magufuli, said a statement by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

"I am highly impressed with anti-poaching initiatives being done by the government of Tanzania, and be assured of my support," the statement quoted Prince William as saying.

The Duke of Cambridge was also said he was impressed by the continued relations between the UK and Tanzania.

For his part, President Magufuli thanked Prince William for the support in wildlife conservation, and pledged to double efforts towards anti-poaching of elephants.

Prince William on Wednesday began a three-day visit to Tanzania as part of his mission to fight poaching and tackle illegal trade in wildlife.

A statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said Prince William was visiting the east African nation as president of United for Wildlife, which fights illegal trade in wildlife, and patron of Tusk, which promotes conservation.

During his visit, Prince William will raise awareness on the Illegal Wildlife Conference to be held in London in October, said the statement.

Tanzania is home to the African elephants, rhinos and other wildlife population that are facing threats from syndicates of local as well as international poachers.