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