A Congratulatory Message to Her Majesty Beatrix of the Netherlands

H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a Congratulatory Message to Her Majesty Beatrix of The Netherlands, on the occasion of the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on 30^th April, 2013.

The message reads as follows:

“Her Majesty Queen Beatrix,

  The Hague,

  The Netherlands.

Your Majesty,

It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the people, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and on my own behalf to sincerely congratulate Your Majesty on the occasion of your 75^th Birthday which also marks the National Day of The Netherlands and coincides with Your Majesty’s abdication of the throne to His Royal Highness, Prince Willem-Alexander, the Prince of Orange.

I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm and friendly welcome accorded to me during my recent and indeed very successful visit to your great country. I believe the visit has set a new momentum to the growing bilateral relations between The Netherlands and Tanzania and added fresh impetus to our focus in our relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally for the mutual benefit of our respective peoples and countries.

In this regard, I wish to reassure Your Majesty of my commitment to continue working closely with the new King of the The Netherlands.

Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest esteem, my best wishes for Your continued good health, happy retirement, peace and prosperity for the people of The Netherlands”.

Issued by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dar es Salaam.

30^TH APRIL, 2013

EAC Heads of State meet in Arusha; President Kikwete welcomes President Kenyatta of Kenya

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (right), President of the United Republic of Tanzania greets and welcomes his counterpart H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya upon his arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, in Arusha Region yesterday evening.  President Kenyatta took his first Presidential visit to Arusha in time to attend the 11th Extra-Ordinary Summit of East African Community (EAC) Heads of State. This Summit is the first EAC meeting for President Kenyatta to attend since he was elected the fourth President of Kenya in March. (photo courtesy of Michuzi's blog)

President Kenyatta, First Lady Mama Kenyatta and President Kikwete smile and wave at the crowd (not in the photo) who welcomed the Kenyan President upon his arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport yesterday evening in Arusha Region.   The Summit will bring together EAC Heads of State in the latter of current EAC Chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi and it is scheduled to take place at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge in Arusha. (Photo courtesy of Nation Media Group)

President Kikwete (right) introduces his counterpart President Kenyatta of Kenya to Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation upon his arrival in Arusha yesterday evening.  President Kenyatta is also accompanied by his First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Permanent  Secretary Mr Thuita Mwangi and other Senior Government Officials from Kenya.  Also in the photo is Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera (left), the Secretary General of the EAC and Mr. Magessa Mulongo (3rd left), Arusha Regional Commissioner. 

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma (center), during the CMAG Meeting in London. (photo courtesy of www.thecommonwealth.org)

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation addresses the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting chaired by Hon. Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in London on April 26, 2013.  Sitting Behind are Ambassador Celestine Mushy (2nd right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prof. Severine Rugumamu (right), Hon. Membe's Advisor (Commonwealth and CMAG Matters).

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Concluding Statement

London, 26 April 2013

1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held its thirty-ninth meeting in London on 26 April 2013.

2. The meeting was chaired by Hon Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. It was also attended by Senator the Hon Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; Hon John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; Hon A J Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; Hon Dr Abdul Samad Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives; Hon Dr Samura Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone; Hon Bernard K Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania; Hon Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago; and Hon Nipake Edward Natapei, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Vanuatu.

3. CMAG welcomed the recent adoption by Heads of Government, and signature by The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, of the Charter of the Commonwealth, encapsulating the core values and principles of the Commonwealth. It noted that the Charter reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment inter alia to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, separation of powers, freedom of expression, good governance, tolerance, respect and understanding and the role of civil society. As the custodian of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values, the Group pledged to continue to promote these commonly agreed goals.

4. The Group reviewed developments in relation to the country currently on its formal agenda, Fiji.

Fiji

5. CMAG reiterated the Commonwealth’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Fiji, and CMAG’s commitment to Fiji’s reinstatement as a full member of the Commonwealth family, through the restoration of constitutional democracy, the rule of law and human rights, in accordance with the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth.

6. Ministers expressed their regret at the Government of Fiji’s diversion from the previously-agreed constitutional process, which had earlier been welcomed by CMAG and which had attracted widespread public engagement and confidence within Fiji.

7. CMAG called on the Government of Fiji to ensure that the steps now undertaken toward restoring constitutional democracy are credible and inclusive, and similarly enjoy the confidence and support of the people of Fiji, including:

a. a transparent and consultative process to achieve a constitution that accords with Commonwealth and internationally-accepted standards for democracy, good governance and the rule of law, and that genuinely enjoys the endorsement of the people of Fiji;

b. the restoration of the structures necessary for credible elections, including an independent Election Management Body;

c. the ability of political parties and candidates to contest elections freely under fair and consistent rules and on a level playing field;

d. withdrawal of the military from involvement in government; and

e. full respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms in accordance with international law and without undue restriction, including freedoms of speech, association and movement, and a free and independent media.

8. The Group expressed concern about ongoing restrictions on human rights and reports of human rights abuse in Fiji, and emphasised the necessity of full respect for human rights and the rule of law, to create the environment necessary for credible elections.

9. CMAG noted the visit to Fiji undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum’s Ministerial Contact Group on 12 April 2013, and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to continuing to work in co-operation with regional and international partners in relation to the Fiji situation.

10. CMAG encouraged the Commonwealth to remain engaged with Fiji in appropriate ways, including the Secretary-General’s ongoing engagement with the Government of Fiji and other stakeholders, also encompassing further exploration of options for the provision of assistance to Fiji in relation to democracy and the rule of law.

Ubalozi wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini washeherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya (wanne kulia), Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi (local staff) nchini Afrika Kusini.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya, Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania akizungumza katika Sherehe za Muungano nyumbani kwake hivi karibuni, ikiwa ni sehemu ya kuadhimisha Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar. 

Sherehe za Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar zafana mjini Pretoria. Pichani Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akikata keki maalum iliyoandaliwa kusheherekea Sherehe ya Muungano na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozini na Familia zao hivi karibuni nyumbani kwa Balozi Msuya, nchini Afrika Kusini.

"Kwa raha zetu" ndivyo wakionekana kusema akina Bi. Evaline (kushoto) na Bi. Mary (kulia), wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini wakisheherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano.

Mahanjumati ya Muungano.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi na Familia zao wakati wa wakisheherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar zilizofanyika nyumbani kwa Balozi, mjini Pretoria, Afrika Kusini. 

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na local staff wa Ubalozini: Lumbi, Jane, Evaline na Ethel.

Picha zote na Ubalozi wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini 

Press Release: 49th Anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar

PRESS RELEASE

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has received messages of congratulation from all over the world on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, on 26th April, 2013.

In her message, the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, pledged readiness to work with President Kikwete towards the achievement of the vision of the AU.

"I am aware of the great strides that your country, Tanzania, continues to make in the area of socio-political and economic development and its impact on stability and development in the Eastern African region," she said.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Ms Quentin Bryce AC, conveyed "my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people.

"I am pleased that the warm relations between our countries have continued to expand over the last year, built on shared Commonwealth values, cooperation in the United Nations and significant commercial ties, particularly in the mining sector," she said, adding:

"Australia and Tanzania share common interests in addressing serious global challenges such as food security, international development, climate change and conflict prevention. We firmly believe contemporary challenges require global solutions, and multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, provide the best means for collective security. Australia is committed to engaging with Tanzania on issues before the Security Council, particularly those relating to peace and security in Africa."

In his greetings, the President of China, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, said since the establishment of the Union, Tanzania government and people have worked hard for national development and the country was prospering with each passing day.

"Especially under the leadership of Your Excellency, Tanzania has maintained political stability and social harmony, and the economy is on the fast growth track," he said, adding:

"The friendship between China and Tanzania has profound foundation and the two countries are all weather friends. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago, the cooperation of the two sides have fruitful achievements in all fields. I made a very successful visit to Tanzania not long ago and both sides reached wide consensus on consolidating China- Tanzania traditional friendship and deepening practical cooperation in all fields. I would like to work hand in hand with Your Excellency to push forward the continuous development of all weather partnership of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between China and Tanzania."

In his message, the President of Cuba, H.E. Mr. Raul Castro Ruz, said: “On the occasion of the United Republic of Tanzania's National Day,I extend warm congratulations and ratify to you the resolve to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting our two countries."

The President of the Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, extended "warm felicitations" to President Kikwete and Tanzanians.

"India and Tanzania enjoy warm and friendly relations. Our multi-sectoral engagement has expanded and deepened over the years to the mutual benefit of our people. I am confident that our relations will continue to be strengthened further in the years to come," he said.

In her message, the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E Park Geun-Hye extended her warmest congratulations to H.E. President Kikwete and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. She said “the past years have witnessed significant growth in the mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries. I hope that our friendly and good relations can be further strengthened in various fields for the mutual benefit of our two peoples in the years ahead”.

In her message, Queen Beatrix of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, congratulated President Kikwete and wished the people of Tanzania peace and prosperity.

H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, said his country has maintained very close, cordial and cooperative relations with Tanzania in diverse fields for the last 46 years. "I am fully confident that the two countries will make consistent efforts to fully tap immense potential existing in the two countries. I eagerly look forward to working with Your Excellency to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation that so happily exists between Pakistan and Tanzania," he said.

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, wished President Kikwete good health and happiness, and Tanzanians peace, progress and prosperity.

"I am confident that the close and cordial relations that exist between our two countries will continue to expand in many new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples in the years to come," he said.

The Republic of Ukraine has sent cordial greetings to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Bernard Membe.

"I am confident that the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and Tanzania will continue to advance in all areas of common interest," said the message from Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Leonid Kozhara.

H.E. Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America, said Tanzania and the US shared common visions of democracy, economic prosperity, and peace between nations. "As your country continues to forge a more perfect union to preserve and strengthen the achievements of a modern and peaceful Tanzania, you will continue to have a steadfast friend and partner in the United States”, he added.

In his message, sent through the Vatican Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Pope Francis I, said: "I send cordial greetings to you and your fellow citizens on the happy occasion of Union Day. At the beginning of my pontificate, I gladly commend the republic to the providence of Almighty God and pray that its citizens may enjoy peace and well-being."

ISSUED BY: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM.

25^TH APRIL, 2013

Ambassador of Bangladesh presents Letters of Credence; President Kikwete sends condolences in the aftermath of the eight-story building collapse

Designate Ambassador Wahidur Rahman of Bangladesh to the United Republic of Tanzania, with residence in Nairobi, Kenya signs the State House visitors book before presenting his Letters of Credence to President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania awaits the Designate Ambassador of Bangladesh to present his Letters of Credence.  Standing right is Chief Protocol Ambassador Mohammed Maharage Juma.  In the photo are Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (2nd right), Senior Advisor to President Kikwete (Diplomatic Affairs), and Deputy Secretary to the President.  Also in the photo are Mr John M. Haule (3rd left), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ms. Samira Diria (2nd left), Acting Director of the Department of Asia and Australasia and Mr. Medard Ngaiza (left), Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania receiving Letters of Credence from H.E. Wahidur Rahman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Republic of Tanzania, with residence in Nairobi, Kenya. The Ceremony was held in the State House in Dar es Salaam. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

President Kikwete congratulates Ambassador  Wahidur Rahman of Bangladesh. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

President Kikwete introduces Ambassador Wahidur Rahman to Mr. John M. Haule, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.  Left is Ms. Samira Diria, Acting Director of the Department of Asia and Australasia in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

Ms. Diria gets introduced to Ambassador Rahman of Bangladesh. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

Mr. Medard Ngaiza, Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also gets introduced to Ambassador Wahidur Rahman of Bangladesh. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania held talks with H.E. Wahidur Rahman, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United Republic of Tanzania, with residence in Nairobi, Kenya.  During their discussion, President Kikwete took time to express condolences to the people of Bangladesh due to the aftermath of the collapse of an eight-story building which took lives of more than 250 people and injuring more than 1,000.  The building collapse took place on the outskirts of the Bangladesh capital city of Dhaka on 24 April, 2013.  The President shared the same sympathy as Tanzania too had recently lost lives of at least 36 people due to the collapse of 17 floor building in the heart of Dar es Salaam City.  Further, the two also discussed key areas of cooperation, in particular, the agriculture sector. (photo by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago)