PRESS RELEASE

Hon. Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.  Malaysian Prime Minister

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has sent a condolence message to the Prime Minister of Malaysia,  Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, following the worst flooding in more than a decade in Northeastern Malaysia that claimed at least 7 lives and forced nearly 160,000 people from their homes on 27^th December, 2014. 

The message reads as follows:

“The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak,  

Prime Minister of Federal Government of Malaysia,

Putrajaya, MALAYSIA.

Honourable Prime Minister,

I have learnt with deep sorrow the worst flooding in Northeastern Malaysia in more than a decade which occurred on the 27^th December, 2014 leading to the loss of lives of at least 7 people and forced nearly 160,000 from their homes.

On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey to you, Honourable Prime Minister, and through you, to the Government and People of Malaysia, especially the families of the bereaved, our heartfelt condolence and deep sympathies.

At this moment of intense grief, the People of Tanzania wishes the victims of this calamity a full and speedy recovery amid the worst deluge in living memory of many Malaysians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Malaysian people during this very difficult time of bereavement.

Please accept, Honourable Prime Minister, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM

                                                                      

29^TH DECEMBER, 2014

Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Ujerumani awasilisha Hati za Utambulisho kwa Papa Francis

Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Ujerumani,  Mhe. Philip Sang'ka Marmo, amewasilisha Hati za Utambulisho kwa Baba Mtakatifu Francis, Vatican-Roma, Italia. Balozi Marmo anawakilisha Ujerumani na ndiye anayemwakilisha Mheshimiwa Rais kwa Baba Mtakatifu (Holy See). Kwa utaratibu Mabalozi waliopo Italia hawaruhusiwi kuwakilisha nchi zao kwa Baba Mtakatifu yaani Holy See. Nchi nyingine ambazo Mhe. Balozi Marmo anawakilisha ni Austria, Bulgaria, Jamhuri ya Czech, Hungaria,Ujerumani, Poland, Slovakia, Romania na Switzerland.

Balozi Marmo akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Baba Mtakatifu Francis

Baba Mtakatifu Francis akimsalimia Mtoto wa Mmoja wa Maafisa walioambatana na Balozi Marmo

Baba Mtakatifu Francis akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Mabalozi waliowasilisha Hati zao za utambulisho, kulia kwa Baba Mtakatifu ni Balozi Philip Marmo na kushoto kwa Baba Mtakatifu ni Mke wa Balozi Marmo.

Rais Zuma akutana kwa mazungumzo na Rais Kikwete Ikulu

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (kulia) akimkaribisha Ikulu Rais wa Afrika Kusini, Mhe. Jacob Zuma alipofika kwa ajili ya mazungumzo rasmi. Mhe. Zuma amehitimisha ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili tarehe 22 Desemba, 2014 baada ya kufanya mazungumzo na Rais Kikwete.

Rais Kikwete akimkaribisha  Rais Zuma kwenye chumba cha mazungumzo.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete na Mhe. Rais Zuma wakiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Makamu wa Rai wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Dkt. Mohammed Gharib Bilal (wa pili kulia)  na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Afrika Kusini, Mhe. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (wa kwanza kushoto).

Konseli Mkuu wa Tanzania Dubai, aagana na maafisa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa

Konseli Mkuu wa Tanzania Dubai Omar Mjenga (watatu toka kushoto) katika picha ya pamoja na maafisa kutoka Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa walipotembelea ofisini kwake kumuaga. Maafisa hawa ni kati ya timu imara iliyofanikisha ziara ya kikazi ya Mh. Waziri Mkuu Mhe. Mizengo Pinda nchi za Falme za Kiarabu.

Rais Zuma awasili nchini kwa ziara ya kikazi

Rais wa Afrika Kusini, Mhe. Jacob Zuma akiteremka kwenye ndege mara baada ya kuwasili kwenye Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere Jijini Dar es Salaam usiku wa tarehe 21 Desemba, 2014. Mhe. Zuma yupo nchini kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili ambapo pamoja na mambo mengine atafanya mazungumzo rasmi na Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete tarehe 22 Desemba, 2014.

Makamu wa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Dkt. Mohamed Gharib Bilal akiwa tayari kumpokea Mhe. Zuma alipowasili nchini kwa ziara ya kikazi.

Mhe. Zuma akipokelewa na Mhe. Dkt. Bilal mara baada ya kuwasili nchini. Anayeshuhudia ni Mkuu wa Itifaki, Balozi Juma Maharage

Mhe. Zuma akisalimiana na Kamanda wa Polisi wa Kanda Maalum ya Dar es Salaam, Suleiman Kova ambaye alikuwepo uwanjani hapo kwa mapokezi

Mhe. Rais Zuma akisalimiana na Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Afrika katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bi. Zuhura Bundala wakati wa  mapokezi yake.

Rais Zuma kwa pamoja na Dkt. Bilal wakifurahia burudani ya ngoma iliyokuwa ikitolewa na moja vikundi vilivyokuwepo Uwanjani hapo wakati wa mapokezi.

Taarifa kwa Vyombo vya Habari

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI

Rais wa Afrika Kusini, Mhe. Jacob Zuma anatarajiwa kuwasili nchini usiku wa tarehe 21 Desemba, 2014 kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili.

Mhe. Zuma atapokelewa na Mwenyeji wake Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete mara baada ya kuwasili kwenye Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere Jijini Dar es Salaam.

Mhe. Zuma atakutana kwa mazungumzo rasmi na Mhe. Rais Kikwete tarehe 22 Desemba, 2014 kabla ya kuondoka nchini na kurejea nchini kwake.

IMETOLEWA NA: WIZARA YA MAMBO YA NJE NA USHIRIKIANO WA KIMATAIFA, DAR ES SALAAM.

20 DESEMBA, 2014

Press Release

Hon. Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister

PRESS RELEASE

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has sent a condolence message to the Prime Minister of the Australian Government, Honourable Tony Abbott (MP) following the Sydney café siege which occurred on the 16^th December, 2014 and claimed the lives of two people.

The message reads as follows:

“The Honourable,

 Tony Abbott (MP)

 Prime Minister of Australia,

 Canberra, AUSTRALIA.

Honourable Prime Minister,

I am deeply saddened by the Sydney cafe siege on the 16^th December 2014 that claimed the lives of 2 people. The attack was indeed received with great shock in my country particularly at this time when the world is seen to be working together to end the scourge.

As the people of Australia continue to grieve for the loss of their loved ones, the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania reiterates its continued support to the Australian Government on the fight against terrorism and wish the bereft families a full and fast recovery from the tumor.

Please accept, Honourable Prime Minister the assurances of my highest consideration”.

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM

18^TH DECEMBER, 2014

Press Release

H.E. Manmoon Hussain, President of Pakistan

PRESS RELEASE

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has sent a condolence message to the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, H.E. Manmoon Hussain following a terrorist attack which occurred on the 16^th December, 2014 and claimed lives of 141 people.

The message reads as follows:

“H. E. Manmoon Hussain,

 President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,

 Islamabad,

 THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN.

Your Excellency,

I am deeply saddened by the devastating terrorist attack at the Army Public School in Peshawar City of Pakistan, on the 16^th December 2014 that claimed the lives of 141 people, mostly children. It is indeed very shocking to see such a loss of innocent lives and the maiming of many others.

On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to you and through you to the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for this tragic and cowardly act.

At this moment of intense grief, the People of Tanzania wishes the victims of this tragic act a full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Pakistan people during this very difficult time of bereavement.

Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother the assurances of my highest consideration”.

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM

                                                                      

18^TH DECEMBER, 2014

BALOZI DORA MSECHU AWASILISHA HATI ZA UTAMBULISHO KWA RAIS WA ESTONIA.

Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Sweden, Mhe. Dora Msechu amewasilisha hati zake za utambulisho kwa Rais wa Estonia, Mhe. Toomas Hendrik Ilves.  Balozi Msechu pia alitembelea Chuo Kikuu cha Teknolojia cha Tallin na kuzungumza, Tea Varrak ambaye ni Rector wa Chuo hicho. Mazungumzo hayo yalilenga kuanzisha ushirikiano kati ya Chuo hicho na vyuo vya vyetu vya UDSM na UDOM na pia kutafuta fursa zaidi za masomo ya sayansi kwa ngazi ya Shahada ya Uzamili (Masters) na Shahada ya Uzamivu (Phd). Estonia ni moja ya nchi iliyopiga hatua kubwa sana katika masuala ya ICT.

Wakiwa chuoni hapo.

Press Release

H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar

PRESS RELEASE

His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a congratulatory message to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar  on the occasion of the Anniversary of the Qatar National Day of the Founder of the State of Qatar Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani.

The message reads as follows;

“His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,

Emir of the state of Qatar,

DOHA,

Your Highness,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to sincerely convey my warm congratulations to you, Your Highness and through you, to the Government and the people of Qatar on celebrating the Anniversary of the National Day of Founder of the State of Qatar.

The State of Qatar and the United Republic of Tanzania have enjoyed cordial bilateral relations over the years. As you commemorate this joyous occasion of your National Day, I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my Government’s desire and commitment to further enhance the traditional bond of friendship and cooperation existing between our two countries for our mutual benefits.

Please accept, Your Highness, my most sincere congratulations and best wishes for the continued good health and happiness, and for the friendly people of the state of Qatar, further progress and prosperity”.

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM

17^TH DECEMBER, 2014

SADC ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 2015

SADC ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 2015

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has organized the SADC students essay writing competition for the year 2015. The essay writing competition is intended to broaden knowledge of the secondary school going population on SADC activities. The competition is open to all students from Form 1 to Form 6. The students are required to begin researching on the topic prior writing and submitting the same to their Heads of School. 

The 34^th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government deliberated and agreed that the topic for the year 2015 be: "Leveraging the Region's Diverse Resources for Sustainable Economic and Social Development through Beneficiation and Value Addition". Discuss how this would result in Sustainable Economic Development.

The following set of questions below are meant to guide students when responding to the question above. Thus, on answering the question, students should answer all the questions listed below as follows: 

1. Discuss the abundant natural resources versus economic development in the SADC Region as a whole expounding the issues of ownership, monetary values and benefits accrued from them on annual basis over the past five years? 
2. Has the SADC Region ultimately benefited from its abundance of natural resources since the complete democratization with the fall of the Apartheid regime in South Africa in 1994?
3. Discuss the Beneficiation and Value Addition with concrete proposals for SADC Region on ownership and processing of mineral/natural resources and how they benefited SADC citizens if at all and what can be improved to maximize benefits to the SADC citizenry?
4. How should the SADC Region go about implementing the 34th Summit Theme in order for it to benefit the whole region including some of its Member States that might not have as much natural resources as the others?
5. What role should be played in the operationalization of the 34th Summit Theme by non-state actors in the SADC Region, thus, private sector, Non Governmental Organizations, Traditional Authorities and Local Communities?
6. As a secondary school learner, what do you think should be the education sector's role in the operationalization of the 34th Summit Theme to benefit the education sector in the whole region? 

Heads of schools are supposed to ensure that the students adhere to the following guidelines: 

1. The essay should not be longer than 2000 words and not shorter than 1000 words.
2. Where students have access to computers, they are advised to type their essays and submit both the soft and hard copies.
3. Students who will type their essays will have to sign and initial the hard copies to make sure that they have not altered.
4. The essay shall be written in English language.
5. The front or cover page will display the name, sex, class, school address and stamp, Headmistress/Headmaster's email address, signature, phone number, region and country.
6. The title of the essay should be written on the cover page and students should not paraphrase the title.
7. The Handwritten essays will be written on one side of the A4 paper with double margin of two centimeters.

Students are expected to begin writing immediately and submit their essays to their Head of school. The Head of school will then be expected to constitute a marking panel which will choose best essays of the school. The panel should go though the essays without marking them and choose three essays to be submitted to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Vocational Training not later than 15th April, 2015. The National Adjudication will take place from 2^nd - 11^th May, 2015 in order to get three entries which will be submitted to the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana.

The same information can be found at on these websites: www.sadc.int; www.moe.go.tz; and www.pmolarg.go.tz 

*** Wishing you and your schools best wishes ***

Press Release

H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine

PRESS RELEASE

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a sympathy and condolence message to H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine on the tragedy death of Hon. Mr. Ziad Abu Ein, Minister and Head of the Commission against the Wall and Settlements which occurred on 10^th December, 2014. The message reads as follows:

“His Excellency Mahmoud Abbas,
President of the State of Palestine,
RAMALLAH, PALESTINE.

I have learnt with deep sorrow and sadness the tragedy death of Hon. Ziad Abu Ein, Minister and Head of the Commission against the Wall and Settlements which occurred on 10^th December, 2014.

On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania I wish to convey to you, and through you, to the people of the State of Palestine, particularly the family of the bereaved our heartfelt condolence and deep sympathies.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania condemns in the strongest terms the excessive use of force by Israel forces to contain demonstrators led by Hon. Mr. Ziad Abu Ein in commemoration of International Human Rights Day.

In this time of grief, our hearfelt and prayers are with the family of the late Hon. Ziad Abu Ein and the people of the State of Palestine in general.

Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Colleague, the the assurance of my highest consideration”.

Issued by: THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM

16^TH DECEMBER, 2014

TANZANIA YAISHAURI ICC KUBORESHA UHUSIANO WAKE NA AFRIKA

Balozi Irene Kasyanju, Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Masuala ya Sheria, Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, akizungumza wakati wa Mkutano wa Kumi na Tatu wa Nchi Wanachama wa Mkataba wa Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya Makosa ya Jinai ( ICC). Mkutano huo wa wiki mbili unafanyika hapa Makao Makuu ya Umoja wa Mataifa.

Sehemu ya wajumbe wa nchi wanachama wa Mkataba wa Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya Makosa ya Jinai wakimsikiliza Mwakilishi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania katika Mkutano huo, Balozi Irene Kasyanju ambaye katika hotuba yake pamoja na mambo mengine ameishauri Mahakama hiyo kuimarisha uhusiano wake na Afrika.

Na Mwandishi Maalum, New York

Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania,  imesema, mafanikio ya  Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya  Makosa ya  Jinai (ICC) yatategemea  uimarishishwaji wa ushirikiano kati ya  Makahama hiyo na Afrika.

Na kwa sababu hiyo, Tanzania imeshauri kuwa Rais Mpya wa Mkutano wa Nchi wanachama wa Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya Makosa ya Jinai hana budi kuhakikisha kuwa moja ya vipaumbele vyake vijielekeze katika kuimarisha uhusiano wa  Makahama hiyo na Afrika.

Ushauri huo umetolewa na Balozi Irene Kasyanju,  Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Masuala ya Sheria, Wizara ya  Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa wakati akizungumza katika  mkutano wa kumi na tatu wa  Nchi  wanachama wa Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya Makosa ya Jinai.

Amesema Tanzania ina imani kubwa na Rais mpya wa Mkutano wa Nchi wanachama wa Mahakama ya Kimataifa ya Makosa ya Jinai, Bw. Sidiki Kaba, kutoka Senegal, kuwa afanye kila awezalo katika kuimarisha uhusiano huo ambao kwa sasa  umezorota.

Tanzania and Kenya to strengthen bilateral relations

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) making a statement during the occasion of commemorating the 51st Independence of the Republic of Kenya that was celebrated on 11th December 2014 at the Kenyan High Commission premises in Dar es Salaam.
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STATEMENT BY HON. BERNARD K. MEMBE (MP), MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA ON THE OCCASION OF COMMEMORATING THE 51^ST INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, 11^TH DECEMBER, 2014

Your Excellency, Ambassador Boniface Muhia, Charge D’ Affaires of the Republic of Kenya;

Your Excellency, Juma Alfani Mpango,                            Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps;

Your Excellency, Ambrósio Lukoki,                                   Ambassador of the Republic of Angola and Dean of the African Diplomatic Group;

Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners;

Heads of International Organizations;

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It gives me a great pleasure to grace this momentous occasion of commemorating the 51^st Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Kenya.   I would like therefore to express my heartfelt appreciation to Your Excellency, Ambassador Boniface Muhia and the entire staff of the esteemed High Commission of the Republic of Kenya for extending an invitation to me to grace the commemoration of this special day, Jamhuri Day. 

As I join you in the commemoration, I would like, on behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, to extend to Your Excellency and, through you, to the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya our heartfelt and sincere congratulations on this auspicious occasion of commemorating the 51^st anniversary of the independence of your great country. 

Your Excellency,

Distinguished Guests,

The commemoration of this historic day is an opportunity to have a glimpse of the historic events that led Kenya to where it is today.  As it may be recalled, the people of Kenya remained strongly united through the Mau Mau initiative and put to an end the colonial domination in their country.  This resilience has no doubt made Kenya to prosper not only in the political sphere but also in the socio-economic fields. Thus, with fifty one years down the line, we have seen Kenya become the regional transport hub with excellent road and railway infrastructure connecting countries and the East African Community (EAC) region at large.  We have also seen Kenya rapidly transforming herself into a large-scale economy. 

Therefore, today, as we celebrate the 51^st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kenya, our Brothers and Sisters of Kenya certainly have all the reasons to be proud of the fact that they celebrate their Independence Anniversary as a unified population matched by rapid economic development.  In this connection, we congratulate them for the achievements.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The commemoration of this historic day is also an opportunity to express my satisfaction that Tanzania and Kenya enjoy excellent bilateral relations.  These relations that have existed from time immemorial, are evidenced by the close interactions of the people of the two countries through trade and other social and cultural activities. 

The relations between the two countries were further strengthened under the framework of the EAC.  In cooperation with the other EAC Partner States, the two countries have remained resolute in promoting their economies by embarking on rigorous programmes to boost the living standards of their peoples.  The operationalization of the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols in 2010 ushered in more avenues for increased cooperation not only between the two countries but also among all the EAC Partner States. 

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between Tanzania and Kenya in 2009 set the pace for greater cooperation between the two brotherly countries. Through the JPC, we have been intensifying cooperation in various areas such as agriculture, tourism, social affairs, infrastructure and science and technology. The onus is upon us to ensure that we implement all the agreed programmes under the JPC without delay for the mutual benefit of our two countries and their peoples.

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Before I conclude, I wish to express grave concern on the terrorist attacks in Kenya that continue to threaten the peace not only in that country but also in the region. Recently, as we all know, there was an attack in Mandera, Kenya whereby 36 people were killed.  This attack was the second one in the same area following the brutal killing of 28 people on a passenger bus.  These attacks on innocent civilians threaten the lives of Kenyans as well as the lives of the people in the entire EAC countries. These barbaric acts are unacceptable and we in the region, the continent and the world, at large, should speak strongly against them and take action to halt them. In this connection, we would like to assure our kith and kin in Kenya that we are with them through these trying moments as they tirelessly work to halt these violent acts. We pray that the Almighty God rest the souls of those who died, as a result of such terror attacks, in eternal peace and comfort the bereaved families, relatives and friends.

Recently too, as we all know, the Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague decided to withdraw the charges of crimes against humanity against H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya.  I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the ICC for its decision of withdrawing the charges against H.E. President Kenyatta.  I also congratulate H.E. President Kenyatta for having accepted to appear before the court in The Hague, which clearly showed that his conscience was clear.

Though there are still some cases at the ICC involving African leaders, we will continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring justice for the other similar cases that involve the African leaders.  To that end, the forthcoming African Union (AU) Summit scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in January 2015, would offer a good opportunity for the AU Member States to discuss that matter with the attention it deserves.        

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, on behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I would like to once again congratulate Your Excellency, the Government and the People of the Republic of Kenya on marking the 51^st Independence Anniversary.  I wish also to reaffirm Tanzania’s commitment to enhance cooperation with Kenya, as our closest neighbour, for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

Your Excellency,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I now ask all of you present here to raise your glasses and join me in a toast:

• To the continued good health of H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta,                President of the Republic of Kenya;

• To the continued brotherly relations existing between our two countries;

• To the continued good health of all of us present here tonight.

Ahsante Sana kwa Kunisikiliza.

MAKAMU WA RAIS DKT. BILAL AHUTUBIA WAWAKILISHI WA AFRIKA KATIKA MKUTANO WA MAZINGIRA DUNIANI (COP20) JIJINI LIMA, PERU

Makamu wa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Dkt. Mohammed Gharib Bilal, akizungumza na Wawakilishi wa Afrika katika mkutano wa Mazingira wa Dunia (Cop20) (hawapo pichani) alipokuwa akiwahutubia leo Desemba 11, 2014. Katikati ni Waziri wa Mazingira wa Sudan, (kushoto) ni Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Wataalam ya Afrika katika masuala ya Majadiliano ya Mabadiliko ya Tabianchi kutoka nchini Sudan, Nagmeldin El-Hassan.

Ujumbe wa Tanzania  katika mkutano wa Mazingira Duniani, wapili kutoka kushoto ni Naibu waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa Mhe. Maadhi Juma Maalim, wa pili kutoka kulia ni Balozi Fransis Malambugi wa Tanzania nchini Brazili na wakwanza kulia ni Katibu Mkuu Ofisi ya Makamu wa Raisi Bw. Sazi Salula wakimsikiliza Makamu wa Rais Dkt. Mohammed Gharib Bilal , wakati akiwahutubia leo, Desemba 11, 2014, mkutano wa Mazingira Duniani (Cop20) unaoendelea jijini Lima, nchini Peru. 

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Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Dkt. Mohammed Gharib Bilal jana Desemba 10, 2014, amewahutubia wawakilishi wa Afrika katika Mkutano wa Mazingira Duniani (Cop20) unaofanyika jijini Lima, nchini Peru. 

Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais anahudhuria mkutano huu akimuwakilisha Rais Jakaya Kikwete ambaye ni Kiongozi wa Wakuu wa Nchi na Serikali kutoka Afrika kuhusu Mabadiliko ya Tabia Nchi. Mkutano huo wa jana ulikuwa na dhima ya Afrika baada ya mwaka 2015: Makubaliano Mapya kuhusu Mabadiliko ya Tabia Nchi. 

 Awali Mheshimiwa Dkt. Bilal aliwaambia wawakilishi wa Afrika katika mkutano uliojumuisha Mawaziri wa Afrika wanaoshughulikia masuala ya Mazingira katika nchi zao kuwa, Afrika licha ya unyonge wake bado inalo jukumu la kusimama kidete katika kukabiliana na mabadiliko ya tabia nchi na ili kufanikiwa katika jambo hilo ni muhimu kwa Bara hili kuwa na sauti ya pamoja. 

 Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais aliendelea kusema kuwa, Bara la Afrika lina kila sababu ya kuwa na mipango yake ambayo itatumika kushirikisha nchi za nje ya Afrika ili kwa pamoja Dunia iweze kuwa na kauli inayofanana yenye kulenga kukabiliana na majanga yanayotokana na mabadiliko ya Tabia Nchi licha ya kuwepo tofauti za kimaendeleo kati ya Afrika na nchi za mabara mengine. 

 Awali akizungumza kabla ya Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais, Waziri wa Mazingira wa Sudan ambaye ni Mwenyekiti wa kundi hili la Afrika Dkt. Hassan Albdelgadir Hillal alisema, kundi la Afrika linapongeza uongozi wa Tanzania kupitia kwa Rais Jakaya Kikwete kwa namna unavyosimamia agenda hizi za mabadiliko ya Tabia Nchi na kusimamia upatikanaji wa sauti moja kutoka kwa nchi za Afrika. 

Dkt. Abdelgadir aliendelea kusema kuwa, Afrika inatakiwa kutumia mkutano huu wa Lima kwa umakini ili kuhakikisha mipango inayofikiwa inapata kutambulika na kuonekana mwakani wakati mkutano kama huu utakapofanyika jijini Paris. 

 Kwa upande wake Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais Mazingira Dkt. Binilith Mahenge ambaye pia ni Mwenyekiti wa Mawaziri wa Mazingira kwa nchi za Afrika yeye alibainisha kuwa, viongozi wa nchi za Afrika wamekuwa mstari wa mbele kabisa kuhakikisha kuwa Afrika inasikika na kwamba anatarajia ushirikiano katika ngazi ya Mawaziri kuendelea hata pale atakapokuwa anakabidhi nafasi hiyo kwa Waziri wa Mazingira wa Misri.  Katika mkutano mwingine ambao pia ulikuwa mwendelezo wa Siku ya Afrika katika COP20, Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais Dkt. Bilal alisisitiza kuwa Afrika inatakiwa kuhakikisha vijana na akina mama wanakuwa mstari wa mbele katika kukabiliana na hali hii ya mabadiliko ya tabia nchi.

“Makundi haya ni muhimu sana kwa kuwa ndiyo yanayohusika moja kwa moja na shughuli za kila siku. Hatutaweza kufanikiwa kama tutayaacha makundi haya nyuma,” alisema Mheshimiwa Makamu wa Rais katika Mkutano huo ambao pia ulihutubiwa na Dkt. Fatima Denton, Mkurugenzi wa Harakati Maalum kutoka Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Kamishenbi ya Uchumi kwqa Afrika (UNECA).