Joint Communique between Tanzania and Liberia

JOINT COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE

STATE VISIT TO THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

BY H.E. ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, PRESIDENT OF THE

REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, 19^TH JULY, 2012

1.         At the invitation of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia paid a three-day State Visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 17^th to 19^th July, 2012.  H.E. President Sirleaf was accompanied by a high powered delegation of the Government of the Republic of Liberia.

2.         Upon arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was received by her host, H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Honourable Ministers as well as other senior officials of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

3.         The three-day visit was an opportunity for enhancing and strengthening the brotherly relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.

4.         While in the country, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf held official talks with her host, President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.  During their talks, the two Presidents expressed their satisfaction on the excellent fraternal relations that so happily exist between the Governments and peoples of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Liberia.  In that connection, they expressed their hope that the visit of the Liberian President would further enhance and consolidate these relations.

5.         The two Presidents briefed each other on the political and economic situation prevailing in their two respective countries and expressed their satisfaction on the progress made in these areas.  In that regard, they underscored the need to explore areas of socio-economic cooperation.  Tanzania expressed its desire to learn from the Liberian experience in iron ore production and the management of the rubber industry.   For its part, Liberia indicated its wish to apply lessons learned from Tanzania’s experience and success for the revitalization of Liberia’s coffee program and fishing industry.

6.         Recognizing the importance of peace and stability in the African continent, the two Presidents exchanged views on the situation obtaining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea Bissau, Mali and Somalia.  In that regard, the two Presidents undertook to continue working together with a view to finding lasting solutions to the on-going crisis in the respective countries.

7.         On 18^th July, 2012,   H.E. President Sirleaf launched the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) offices in Dar es Salaam and participated in an interactive discussion on “The Role of Women in African Development” at the University of Dar es Salaam.  On 19^th July, 2012 while in Arusha, she made a tour of the Africa Technical Research Centre.  She also made a tour of the A to Z Textile Mills Limited which manufactures treated mosquito bed nets.

8.         At the conclusion of her State Visit, H.E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf expressed her gratitude to the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to her and her delegation during the visit.

9.         President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf extended an invitation to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete to visit Liberia at his convenient time.  The invitation was accepted with pleasure and the exact dates shall be communicated through the diplomatic channels.

10.       H.E. President Sirleaf and her entourage departed Tanzania for a return journey  to Liberia on 19^th July, 2012 .

ISSUED AT ARUSHA, 19^TH JULY, 2012