APRM Country Review Mission hold a press conference

Ms. Rehema Twalib (center), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania speaking at the press conference for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania.  Listening on are Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (2d-left), the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (3rd-left), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania.  Others on the photo are Prof. Hassa Mlawa (2d-right), the Chairman of APRM Tanzania and Mr. Assefa Shifa (right), CEO of APRM Continental Secretariat based in Midrand, South Africa.  The CRM delegation is in Tanzania for a country review mission through APRM which aims at promoting good governance within the African Continent.  

 Prof. Hassa Mlawa (2d-right), the Chairman of APRM Tanzania giving few remarks before inviting H.E. Barrister Akere Muna to speak.  

Hon.  Mahadhi Juma Maalim (left), the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation giving his remarks during press conference.

H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (center), giving his few remarks during the press conference.  H.E. Muna is the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania.

Hon.  Mahadhi Juma Maalim, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, speaking to few reporters after the press conference.

Ms. Rehema Twalib (center), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania, explaining to few reporters how the APRM process work. 

The Lead Panelist for APRM Country Review Mission arrives in Dar

Hon.  Mahadhi Juma Maalim (left), the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, welcomes H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (right), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania, upon his arrival yesterday at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.  H.E. Muna is in Tanzania for a country review mission through APRM which aims at promoting good governance within the African Continent.  Looking on is Ms. Rehema Twalib (center), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania and Hon. John Shibuda (MP  Chadema-Maswa West), a member of the National Governing Council of APRM Tanzania.

H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (center), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania, in light conversation with upon his arrival with Ms. Rehema Twalib (right), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania and Dr. Salim Nasser, a member of National Governing Council in Tanzania.  The Country Review Mission (CRM) is expected to produce a country review report and the final national programme of action which will entail strategic actions aimed at addressing the governance challenges afflicting Tanzania.

Prof. Hassa Mlawa, the Chairman of APRM Tanzania, welcoming H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (right), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania, upon his arrival yesterday at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.  Looking on is Ms. Rehema Twalib (center), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania.

H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (center), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania, introduced to Ms. Zuhura Bundala, the Acting Director for Africa Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.  Making the introduction is Ms. Rehema Twalib (center), Executive Secretary for the APRM Tanzania.

Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (right), the Deputy Minister for Ministry of International Affairs and International Cooperation, in conversation with H.E. Barrister Akere Muna (2d-right), the Lead Panelist for African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Country Review Mission for Tanzania, Prof. Hassa Mlawa, the Chairman of APRM Tanzania, and Mr. Assefa Shifa, CEO of APRM Continental Secretariat based in Midrand, South Africa.

Hon. Maalim chats with Mr. Haule

Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation listening to Mr. John M. Haule, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.  Mr. Haule had just arrived from Angola after attending SADC Senior Officials Meeting (27-29 February), which followed by SADC Ministerial Council Meeting (1-2 March) which Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) attended.  Listening on is Ms. Zuhura Bundala, the Acting Director for Africa Department in the Ministry.

President Kikwete receives ICGLR Annual Report

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, in discussion with Ambassador Liberata Mulamula at the State House today in Dar es Salaam.  Ambassador Mulamula paid a courtesy call to the President and hand over the Annual Report for 2010/2011 of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as well as the Legal Instruments, Dar Declaration and the Pact on Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region.  (Photo by Freddy Maro of the State House)

Ambassador Mulamula handing over to President Kikwete the Annual Report for 2010/2011 of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as well as the Legal Instruments, Dar Declaration and the Pact on Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region.  Ambassador Mulamula has just finished her tenure as the first Executive Secretary of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), a position she has served successfully for the past five years.  Her Successor is Professor Ntumba Liaba, a former Human Rights Minister for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). (Photo by Freddy Maro of the State House)

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete looking at the Annual Report for 2010/2011 of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), as well as the Legal Instruments, Dar Declaration and the Pact on Peace, Security and Development in the Great Lakes Region.  (Photo by Freddy Maro of the State House)

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Hon. William Hague (2nd L) and the Tanzania's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hon. Bernard Membe exchanging a signed treaty on dealing with piracy off the coast of Somalia.  Witnessing the ceremony are H.E. Jakaya Kikwete (R), the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Hon. Henry Bellingham (L), the Britain's Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, during the Somalia Conference at Lancaster House on February 23, 2012 in London, United Kingdom.  Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron had invited U.S. Secretary Of State Hilary Clinton, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and representatives from over 40 governments to participate in the London Conference on Somalia, to discuss the rebuilding of Somalia and the tackling of piracy, terrorism and famine.

Nations pledge help and demand progress in Somalia

LONDON (AP) — World leaders pledged new help to Somalia to tackle terrorism and piracy, but insisted Thursday that the troubled east African nation must quickly install a permanent government and threatened penalties against those who hamper political progress.

In a communique scheduled to be issued following the one-day summit, details of which have been supplied to The Associated Press, the group of 55 nations and international organizations said Somalia "remains precarious and in urgent need of support from the international community."

Delegates at the talks, hosted by British Prime Minister David Cameron in London, included Somalia's United Nations-backed transitional government, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Somalia has had transitional administrations for the past seven years, but has not had a functioning central government since 1991, when warlords overthrew a longtime dictator and turned on each other, plunging the nation into chaos.

Clinton said the mandate of Somalia's transitional government must end as planned in August, and warned travel bans and asset freezes could be imposed against those who attempt to hamper progress.

"There must be no further extensions," the conclusions of the summit said, according to a person familiar with the issue who provided details on condition of anonymity because the communique had yet to be officially released. "We agreed to incentivize progress and act against spoilers to the peace process."

Leaders hailed tentative signs of progress in Somalia — with piracy attacks in decline and the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab largely driven out of the capital Mogadishu.

Despite differences expressed over the role of al-Shabab in Somalia's future, the conclusions call for "all those willing to reject violence to join" the country's U.N.-led peace process.

Nations also agreed to "develop a defectors' program to support those who leave armed groups" and pledged to help improve efforts to tackle terrorism and to increase work to stop extremists traveling to and from Somalia.

Cameron said nations continue to be wary that al-Shabab could export terrorism to Europe and the United States, with dozens of British and American citizens traveling to Somalia to train and fight.

"If the rest of us just sit back and look on, we will pay a price for doing so," he told the conference.

In their communique, leaders said the use of private armed guards aboard ships off Somalia's coast had helped disrupt pirate attacks — which saw the shipping industry pay out $135 million in ransoms last year. Pirates currently hold seven vessels and 191 hostages, compared to 32 ships and 661 hostages in January 2011.

Leaders said there "will be no impunity for piracy," and demanded more effort to prosecute those responsible in both Somalia and neighboring countries.

Britain signed an agreement Thursday with Tanzania to handle suspected pirates captured by British vessels.

Research last year by the U.S. Congress found that about nine of 10 piracy suspects detained by international patrols are released without trial.

The communique pledged help from the international community "to prosecute the kingpins of piracy," and halt funding to both pirates and al-Shabab militants. Leaders also expressed concern "that hostages in Somalia are being held longer and with more use of violence," the document said.

In a statement, al-Shabab denounced the conference, claiming it was "aimed at carving up the Somali nation" and vowed to wage war against what it described as a crusade by Western powers.

___

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Martin Benedyk in London, and Katherine Houreld in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group Concluding Statement

From left to right: Hon Bernard K Membe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania; Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma; Hon Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group Concluding Statement 

Extraordinary meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to consider its response to the situation in Maldives

London, 22 February 2012

1.  The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) met in extraordinary session in London today to consider its response to the situation in Maldives.

2. The meeting was chaired by Hon Dr Surujrattan Rambachan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Communications of Trinidad and Tobago. Other members of the Group who participated in the meeting were Hon Dr Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh; Hon John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; Senator Hon Arnold J Nicholson, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Jamaica (by teleconference); Hon Joseph B Dauda, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Sierra Leone; Hon Bernard K Membe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania; Mr Dennis Richardson, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; and H E Roy Mickey Joy, High Commissioner of Vanuatu to the UK.

3.  CMAG received a report from the three-member ministerial mission that visited Maldives from 17-19 February 2012, to ascertain the facts surrounding the transfer of power and to promote adherence to Commonwealth values and principles. The mission was led by Foreign Minister Rambachan and also comprised Foreign Minister Moni and Mr Richardson. It met with a wide range of interlocutors during the visit.

4.  In keeping with the Commonwealth’s well-established principles of inclusiveness and equity, the Group heard a statement from Dr Hassan Saeed, Adviser to the new President of Maldives, as well as from Dr Farahanaz Faizal, who represented the former President.

5.  CMAG thanked the members of the ministerial mission for their valuable work, which had greatly enhanced the Group’s understanding of the circumstances surrounding the transfer of power.

6.  Having considered the report of the mission and reviewed all the information made available to it, CMAG agreed that it was not possible, in the allotted time, to determine conclusively the constitutionality of the resignation of President Nasheed on 7 February 2012. The Group therefore agreed that an independent and impartial investigation of the events of 6-7 February.

Seychelles, Comoros and Tanzania agreed on the Delimination of the Maritime Border

THE AFRICAN UNION WELCOMES THE SIGNING BY SEYCHELLES, THE
COMOROS AND TANZANIA OF AGREEMENTS ON THE DELIMITATION OF
THEIR MARITIME BORDERS

On 17 February 2012, in Victoria, Seychelles, and as part of the

implementation of the African Union Border Programme (AUBP), the

Governments of the Comoros, the Seychelles and Tanzania signed Agreements

on the delimitation of their maritime borders. These include:

‐ an Agreement on the delimitation of the maritime border between the Republic of
Seychelles and the Union of the Comoros; and

‐ an Agreement between the Republic of Seychelles, the Union of the Comoros and the
United Republic of Tanzania on the Indian Ocean triple point.

These delimitation Agreements were signed by Mr. Jean‐Paul Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Mohamed Bakri Ben Abdoulfatah Charif, Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, in charge of the Diaspora, Francophonie and the Arab World, of the Union of The Comoros, and Honorable Bernard Kamillius Membe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, during a ceremony held at the Queau de Quinssy House, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Mourad Taiati, Head of the AU Liaison Office in the Comoros, represented the AU
Commission at the ceremony. Also in attendance was the Director of the GiZ‐AU Office in Addis Ababa, Mrs Ruenger Mechthild. It should be recalled that Germany, through GiZ, provides financial and technical support to the AUBP, including delimitation/demarcation, as well as cross‐border cooperation, in a number of AU Member States.

The signing of these Agreements comes two months after the one concluded in Maputo, Mozambique, on 5 December 2011, within the framework of the AUBP, regarding the delimitation of the maritime borders between the Comoros, Mozambique and Tanzania. The Agreements signed in Victoria constitute a new step in the implementation of the AUBP.

Launched in 2007, the Programme has three main components: delimitation and demarcation of African borders where such exercise has not yet taken place; cross‐border cooperation; and capacity building. The overall objective is to prevent conflict and deepen integration.

The signing of these Agreements is a further testimony to the commitment of the Governments of Comoros, Seychelles and Tanzania to promote peace, security and stability in the region, as well as to further cooperation towards the sustainable and concerted management of marine resources, in line with the AUBP.The Commission reiterates the determination of the AU to intensify its efforts to assist Member States in the processes of defining their international boundaries and promoting cross‐border cooperation.

For further information or interview requests, please contact the:
African Union Border Programme
Tel : +251 11 3 716 577, Fax : + 251 11 551 78 44
Email : SituationRoom@africa‐union.org

Katibu Mkuu akanusha habari potoshi kuhusu Balozi zetu Nje

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. John M. Haule (katikati), akikanusha na kurekebisha taarifa potoshi zilizoandikwa katika baadhi ya magazeti kuhusu Mabalozi na watumishi wake nje ya nchi.  Pichani ni Bw. Lupakisyo Mwakitalima (Kulia), Mhasibu Mkuu Wizarani na Bw. Assah Mwambene (kushoto), Kaimu Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mawasiliano ya Serikali katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa.

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. John M. Haule akieleza yale yaliyojiri jana katika Kikao cha Kamati ya Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Hesabu za Serikali (PAC).  Pichani ni Bw. Lupakisyo Mwakitalima, Mhasibu Mkuu wa Wizarani.  

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. John M. Haule akifafanua kuhusu uendeshaji wa Balozi zetu nje.   Pichani ni Bw. Assah Mwambene, Kaimu Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mawasiliano ya Serikali Wizarani.  

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa akisiliza maswali mbalimbali yaliyohojiwa na waandishi leo Wizarani.  Pichani ni Bw. Lupakisyo Mwakitalima (Kulia), Mhasibu Mkuu Wizarani na Bw. Assah Mwambene (Kushoto), Kaimu Mkuu katika Kitengo cha Mawasiliano ya Serikali Wizarani.

Katibu Mkuu akanusha habari potoshi

kuhusu Balozi zetu Nje

Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bw. John M. Haule, leo alikutana na waandishi wa habari Wizarani, kukanusha na kusahihisha habari potoshi zilizoandikwa na baadhi ya magazeti. 

Machapisho ya baadhi ya magazeti hayo yaliandika kuwa Balozi za Tanzania nje ziko hoi, na kwamba Wizara haina fedha za kulipa mishahara, na hivyo kufanya watumishi kuishi kwa mikopo.  

Bw. Haule alieleza kuwa “taarifa hizo si sahihi na ni potoshi kwa umma.”  Alieleza kuwa ni kweli kuwa Kamati ya Kudumu ya Bunge ya Hesabu za Serikali (PAC) ilikutana jana, na kwamba “si kweli kuwa Wizara haina fedha za kuwalipa mishahara Mabalozi au watumishi wake wa nje, bali fedha hizo zimetengwa na upelekwa Ubalozini mara zinapotolewa na Hazina.”

Aidha, alieleza kuwa Hazina imeanzisha utaratibu mpya ambapo Balozi zinatumiwa fedha zakukidhi mahitaji (mishahara na posho za kujikimu) mara moja kila baada ya miezi mitatu.  Kwa mfano, kwa mwaka huu, Hazina imeshazituma fedha za miezi Januari, Februari na Machi.  

Sambamba na maelezo hayo, Bw. Haule alisema kuwa mfano alioutumia jana alipokuwa akihojiwa na Kamati ya PAC, ulikuwa ni kwa ajili ya kuonyesha kuwa fedha zilizolipwa na Hazina katika kipindi cha bajeti ya mwaka 2011/12 bado hazikidhi mahitaji ya Wizara.

"Lakini kitendo cha baadhi ya magazeti kuripoti taarifa potoshi ni cha kusikitisha, na kwa kwamba Serikali kwa kupitia Wizara hii, utuma mishahara na psho kwa wakati kwa kadri zinapopokelewa kutoka Hazina.  Tuna ushirikiano mzuri na Hazina, na tunafuata utaratibu mpya wa kutuma fedha uliopangwa na Hazina.  Utaratibu huo ni wa kutuma fedha mara moja kila miezi mitatu," alieleza Bw. Haule. 

Hon. Membe on a bilateral meeting with Finnish Minister of International Development

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on a bilateral meeting with Hon. Heidi Hautala, the Minister of International Development of Finland in Helsinki on 14th February, 2012.

Minister Heidi Hautala (center), listening on to Hon. Membe during their bilateral talks.  Others on the photo are Ms. Vuokko Jutila from the Department for Africa and Middle East and Ms. Maria Kurikkala, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for International Development.

Hon. Membe (2d-right), together with H.E. Ambassador Muhammed Mzale, Ambassador of Tanzania in Sweden accredited to Finland and Ms. Dora Msechu, Acting Director for Multilateral Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Tanzania.

 Hon. Membe on a bilateral meeting with Finnish Minister of International Development

Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), was in bilateral talks with Hon. Heidi Hautala, the Minister of International Development of Finland today in Helsinki.
 
In their bilateral discussion, the two Ministers expressed their governments’ appreciation to the happily existing bilateral relations exist between the two countries.  

Minister Membe thanked the government of Finland for unwavering support and commitment to Tanzania in terms of both General Budget Support (GBS) and Sectoral Support.  On her part, Hon. Hautala assured Tanzania of Finland's commitment to stay a course.
 
The Ministers also exchanged views on the ways and means of strengthening the newly established the Uongozi Institute for Sustainable Development currently situated in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  The Institute, which is the brain child of the Helsinki Process, was co-Chaired by Tanzania and Finland with goals to seek new approaches on global problem solving.
 
Minister Hautala was accompanied by Ms. Vuokko Jutila from the Department for Africa and Middle East and Ms. Maria Kurikkala, Diplomatic Adviser to the Minister for International Development.  For Tanzania’s part, Minister Membe was accompanied by Amb. Mohamed Mzale, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Sweden accredited to Finland and Ms. Dora Msechu, Acting Director for Multilateral Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Mhe Rais akutana na Mwakilishi Maalum wa Rais wa Urusi

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete amekutana na kufanya mazungumzo na Mheshimiwa Mikhail V. Margelov, Mjumbe Maalum wa Rais wa Urusi, Mheshimiwa Dmitry Medvedev.

Katika mazungumzo hayo yaliyofanyika leo, Jumatatu, Februari 13, 2012 Ikulu, Dar es Salaam, Rais Kikwete amemtaka Mjumbe Maalum huyo kusaidia kushawishi makampuni zaidi ya Urusi kuwekeza katika uchumi wa Tanzania.
Aidha, Rais Kikwete ametaka Tanzania na Urusi kuongeza ushirikiano wa kiuchumi katika nyanja mbali mbali ikiwa ni pamoja na kuchukua hatua ambazo zitaongeza idadi ya watalii wa Urusi wanaotembelea Tanzania. Mwaka jana ni watalii 4,500 wa Urusi waliotembelea Tanzania.
Rais Kikwete na Mheshimiwa Margelov pia wamezungumzia masuala mbali mbali ya kimataifa, ya kanda ya Afrika na ya uhusiano kati ya Tanzania na Urusi.
Mjumbe Maalum huyo wa Mheshimiwa Medvedev anatembelea Tanzania ikiwa ni sehemu ya ziara yake katika nchi za Afrika Mashariki za Kenya na Uganda. Alianza ziara yake kwa kutembelea Zanzibar jana na atakuwa Kenya kesho.

The Helsinki +10 Conference kickstarts today

Hon. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Republic of Finland gives his remarks as a co-Chair of the Helsinki +10 Conference.  The Conference has gathered participants from goverments, private sector and civil societies from Helsinki Process participating countries with the intention to review the work of the Helsinki Process ended in 2008 and charting the way forward.

 

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation gives his remarks as a co-Chair at the Helsinki +10 Conference opening. The Conference is  also graced by H.E. Dr. Asha Rose Migiro, the Deputy Secretary of the United Nations. 

 

Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, the Deputy Secretary of the United Nations, gives her remarks during the Helsinki +10 Conference.   The Government of Finland has organized this two-days Conference in cooperation with the Government of Tanzania, in an effort to focus on two of the most critical global challenges of today - global economic governance and sustainable development. 

 

Various participants from goverments, private sector and civil societies, including our Ambassador of Tanzania in Sweden, H.E. Muhammed Mwinyi Haji Mzale, listening on as the Helsinki +10 Conference kicks off in Helsinki, Finland. 
  

The Helsinki +10 Conference kickstarts today  

The Helsinki Process (HP+ 10) Conference officially kicks off today in Helsinki, with Hon. Bernard K. Membe, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania and Hon. Erkki Tuomioja, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland act as co-Chairs for the Conference.  The Conference is a joint initiative effort between the two countries since 2002.

It is joint collaboration that has brought together governments, international organizations, NGOs, private sectors as well as research institutions from around the world to explore innovative proposals for solutions of global governance challenges especially in dealing with climate change and economic fluctuations.   The aim is to look back on and assess the Helsinki Process approach and lessons learned from the previous 2008 Conference, and consider how to address and solve today’s global problems.  

The Conference will focus on two of the most critical global challenges of today – global economic governance and sustainable development. The effects of the turmoil of the financial system cannot be avoided in international cooperation, and it has become clear that there is room for improvement in the global economic governance. Sustainable development and its three pillars – economic, social and ecological – also affect everybody, and due attention has to be paid to all its aspects to ensure future growth and development.

The two-day Conference is taking place in Hanasaari, and is expected to end on February 14, 2012.

H.E. President Kikwete sends a congratulatory message to the newly elected President of the Republic of Finland

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, sends the following congratulatory message to His Excellency Sauli Niinistö, President-Elect of the Republic of Finland, following the election held on 5^th of February, 2012.  The message reads as follows;

“His Excellency Sauli Niinistö,

President – Elect of the Republic of Finland,

Helsinki,

FINLAND.

Your Excellency,

It is with great pleasure, on behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania and indeed on my own behalf, that I take this opportunity to convey to you and through you to the Government and people of the Republic of Finland, warm greetings and congratulations upon your election as the President-Elect of the Republic of Finland. Your election is a clear testimony of the trust and confidence the people of Finland have vested in you and your leadership.

 I wish you every success in the fulfillment of your new challenging responsibilities in line with the mandate you have been entrusted by the Finnish people. Let me also take this opportunity to assure Your Excellency of my Government’s continued commitment in further strengthening the excellent  bilateral relations that so happily exist between our two countries and peoples.

Please accept, Your Excellency, my best wishes for your personal good health and peace and prosperity for the people of the Republic of Finland.

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA”

Issued by 

THE GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

13^th February, 2012

Waziri Membe ahudhuria Mkutano wa Helsinki+10

Mhe. Waziri Bernard K. Membe (kushoto), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa akiwa katika maongezi na Mhe. Dkt. Asha-Rose Migiro (katikati), Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) na Mhe. Mary Robinson (kulia), Rais Mstaafu wa Ireland, katika VIP ya uwanja wa ndege wa kimataifa jijini Helsinki, Finland leo tarehe 12 Februari, 2012.

Waziri Membe yuko nchini Finland kuhudhuria Mkutano wa Helsinki+10, ambapo Mhe. Membe ni Mwenyekiti Mwenza wa Mchakato huo.

Mhe. Mary Robinson (kulia), Rais Mstaafu wa Ireland akiwa katika maongezi na jambo na Waziri Bernard K. Membe (2-kushoto), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Mhe. Dkt. Asha-Rose Migiro (2-kulia), Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa Umoja wa Mataifa (UN) na Mhe. Balozi Muhammed Mwinyi Haji Mzale, Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Sweden na Finland.

The Global Counterterrorism Forum opens in Dar

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, giving his opening remarks during the two-days Global Counterterrorism Forum held at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam.  The Forum is jointly organized by the European Union and Turkish Government which has brought experts from various countries to deliberate on the joint efforts to tackle security and terrorism threats in the Horn of Africa/Yemen Region. 

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Ambassador Reha Keskintepe, the Managing Director of European Union (2d-left), listening on during the two-days Global Counterterrorism Forum held at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam.

Various Participants including Russia and Pakistan, listening on during the two-days Global Counterterrorism Forum held at Serena Hotel today in Dar es Salaam.   

Mr. Valentine Mlowola (Left), the Coordinator of Counterterrorism Center in Tanzania and Mr. George Panga (2d-left) of the President's Office listening on during the opening of the two-days Global Counterterrorism Forum held at Serena Hotel today in Dar es Salaam.

The Global Counterterrorism Forum opens in Dar

The two-day Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) officially opened today by Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. The Forum is jointly organized by the European Union and Turkish Government which has brought experts from various countries to deliberate on the joint efforts to tackle security and terrorism threats in the Horn of Africa/Yemen Region.

During his opening remarks, Hon. Membe said terrorist activities have increasingly become an agony in the continent of Africa, with expansion of terrorist activities to currently 5 terrorist organizations – Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram of West Africa, Lords Resistance Army (LAR) of Uganda and Piracy in East Africa. He mentioned terrorism as a crisis that that needs to be addressed through joining global efforts in order to catch up with its increasing transnational and sophistication nature.

Hon. Membe also expressed concern over the crisis in the Horn of Africa – particularly Somalia, whose political instability makes it vulnerable to be used as safe haven for perpetrators of terrorism, who find easy refuge, cheap weaponry and desperate youth population to expand its base.

He further said during his opening remarks that Tanzania takes terrorism issue as a priority. “In combating the issue of terrorism, Tanzania takes this issue very seriously especially since the 1998 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania”, Hon. Membe said.  

The government has reinforced its laws, for instance, establishing intelligence unit, human right commission, institutions against poverty and unemployment issues, all in an effort to combat terrorism.

On her part, Ambassador Mara Marinaki, Managing Director of European Union (EU), said that the two day meeting will tackle various issues particularly on how to protect and make the Horn of Africa a safe place.  She said that they plan to discuss two goals, namely, the political concerns and ramifications on terrorism and finding solutions and approach on law enforcement cooperation.    Ms. Marinaki said an immediate action needs to be implemented to prevent the vast spread of human trafficking, terrorism, piracy and weaknesses in the boarder securities.

During the two day meeting, they also plan to discuss the global linkage to stability in the Horn of Africa due to acts of terrorism and piracy which require urgency in international response.    Ms. Marinaki further explained that the meeting will seek to identify synergizing efforts and make a comprehensive approach in combating conditions that lead to terrorism such as lack of rule of law, social, economical, political marginalization and criminal justice.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Reha Keskintepe, Managing Director of Counterterrorism in Turkey, said that this two day meeting will bridge a beginning of a strong and steady cooperation between Turkey and African nations.  He said Turkey and the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) are concurrently making dynamic efforts in helping African continent combat issues against terrorism and piracy. 

He said that terrorism is a challenge that needs to be addressed in a speedy and coherent action by member co-chairs of European Union (EU), the United States and participants from Yemen, Uganda, Djibouti, Tanzania, African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and Turkey itself. 

Membe for enhanced bilateral ties with Mexico

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Bernard Membe (MP) yesterday held talks with the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Republic of Mexico, H.E Mohammed Reza Saboor at the Ministry's headquarter in Dar es salaam.

In their discussions, Hon. Bernard Membe (MP) called for enhanced bilateral ties between Tanzania and Republic of Mexico, saying since time immemorial the two countries have had an excellent working relations.

He told the newly appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic, Mr M. Reza Saboor, that Mexico and Tanzania have had a very cordial bilateral relations saying the arrival of the new Honorary Consul was yet another opportunity to revitalise the relations.

" we have never had problems with the Republic of Mexico, we see eye to eye in most of the international fora and I am looking forward to working closely with you" the Minister told the Mexican Honorary Consul, who paid a courtesy call on him.

He said the relations between the two brotherly countries must move even to a greater height with the presence of the resident Honorary Consul in Dar es salaam.

On his part, the Newly appointed Mexican Honorary Consul, H.E. Mhamed Reza Saboor told the Minister that more than 50 business men and women from Mexico were expected to participate in the forthcoming Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Trade Fair in July this year.

he said particiaption of the businessmen and women from Mexico was part of the mission to explore more business and investment opportunities Tanzania.

With regard to scholarship opportunities available in Mexico, the Honorary Mexican Consul said his country was devising a better mechanism that would ensure that more scholarships were more readily available and beneficial to Tanzanian students than the previous arrangement.

He also expressed readness of the Mexican government to sponsor some Tanzania musicians and artists so that they learn and compare notes with their counterparts in Mexico.