President Kikwete chairs the SADC Troika-Organ on Politics, Defence and Security in Lilongwe, Malawi

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (left), President of the United Republic of Tanzania walking towards the Meeting Hall where the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Troika-Organ on Politics, Defence and Security late this evening at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Walking next to him is H.E. Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa and the outgoing Executive Secretary Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation welcomes H.E. President Jacob Zuma of South Africa. 

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the outgoing Chairman of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security in a discussion with the outgoing SADC Executive Secretary Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.  President Kikwete had just arrived late afternoon today and was received by his counterpart President Joyce Banda of Malawi at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi.  The President is also expected to participate in the 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Summit scheduled to commence tomorrow August 17 to 18, 2013.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation sitting next to President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, as they are getting set to participate in SADC Troika-Organ meeting led by President Kikwete this evening.  

Other delegates in attendance.

The new Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in Ethiopia, H.E. Ambassador Naimi Aziz (left) and H.E. Ambassador Radhia Msuya, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in South Africa were also in attendance during the SADC Troika-Organ, Chaired by the outgoing Chairman President Kikwete.  

Tanzania had assumed the Chairmanship from President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in August of 2012 during the 31st Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held in Maputo, Mozambique. H.E Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia is expected to take the next Chairmanship later this month.

H.E. Ambassador Adadi Rajab (left), Tanzania High Commissioner in Zimbabwe, H.E. Ambassador Patrick Tsere (2nd left), Tanzania High Commissioner in Malawi and Dr. Laurean Ndumbaro, Political Advisor to President Kikwete.

Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Cooperation and the new SADC Executive Secretary replacing  the outgoing Executive Secretary Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomão.  Also in the photo is Ambassador Rajabu Gamaha, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

Tanzania delegation during the SADC Troika-organ meeting.

Chief of Protocol Ambassador Mohammed Maharage Juma (right) in a light moment with Ambassador  Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga, High Commissioner of Malawi in Tanzania.

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

President Kikwete arrives in Malawi to attend the 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Summit

H.E. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi awaits the arrival of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania late this afternoon at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

Tanzania and Malawi Government Officials awaiting the arrival of President Kikwete.  Right is Ambassador Patrick Tsere, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in Malawi,  Hon. Dr. William Augustao Mgimwa (MP) (3rd right), Minister for Finance and Ambassador Flossie Gomile-Chidyaonga (2nd left), High Commissioner of Malawi in Tanzania.

President Kikwete descending the stairs upon his arrival at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi late this afternoon.   President Kikwete is in Malawi ready to attend the 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Summit to be held at the Bingu International Conference Centre. 

President Joyce Banda of Malawi welcomes her counterpart, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania. 

President Kikwete listens to a young boy whispering "when I grow up, I want to be a President just like you", just upon his arrival late this afternoon in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

President Kikwete impressively gives a young boy a present, while President Joyce Banda of Malawi witnesses the special moment.  

The Presidents share a light moment as they walk towards the Guard of Honor. 

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete inspects the Guard of Honor upon his arrival at the Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and his counterpart President Joyce Banda of Malawi observing National Anthems of both countries. 

President Kikwete addresses members of media who had surrounded him to inquiry about his expectation towards the 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Summit scheduled to convene on the 17th to 18th of August, 2013.

Some women who have gathered to perform traditional dancing were also in hand to welcome President Kikwete. 

More of traditional entertainments.

A group photo of Hon. Dr. William Augustao Mgimwa (MP) (left), Minister for Finance, Hon. Ephraim Chiume (MP) (center), Minister for Foreign Affairs in Malawi and Ambassador Patrick Tsere, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in Malawi.

Hon. Chiume and Ambassador Tsere share some few laughters.

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (fourth left), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a discussion with Tanzania delegation.  In the photo are Ambassador Radhia Msuya (left), High Commissioner of Tanzania in South Africa, Ambassador Adadi Rajab (2nd left), High Commissioner of Tanzania in Zimbabwe and Ambassador Rajabu Gamaha (3rd left), Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.  Also in the photo is Ambassador Patrick Tsere (3rd right), High Commissioner of Tanzania in Malawi and two Senior Advisors to President Kikwete. 

Hon. Membe discusses something with Ambassador Tsere, while Ambassador Rajabu Gamaha (left),  and Dr. Laurean Ndumbaro, Political Advisor to President Kikwete listen. 

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

Rais Kikwete alivyolakiwa na Rais Joyce Banda wa Malawi

Malawi Minister touts Lake Nyasa to Membe and other SADC members

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation explains something during an interview with Tanzania media earlier today in Lilongwe, Malawi.  Minister Membe is in Malawi attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers Meeting since 14 of August to the 16 of August, 2013.

Hon. Minister Membe explains about the Lake Nyasa row between Tanzania and Malawi.

Malawi Minister touts Lake Nyasa to Membe and other SADC members

By TAGIE DAISY MWAKAWAGO

Lilongwe, Malawi

Minister for Foreign Affairs in Malawi, Hon. Ephraim Chiume yesterday showcased the Lake Nyasa (also known as Lake Malawi in Malawi) to the Southern Africa Development Community Council of Ministers who have been meeting in Lilongwe, Malawi for the past two days.

Minister Bernard K. Membe (MP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in Tanzania also had an opportunity to meet for a 

tête à tête with his counterpart Minister Chiume and discuss the Lake Nyasa row.

“We had a good discussion on our current boundary dispute and we were trying to find a common ground to advise our respective Presidents later this afternoon,” said Hon. Membe.

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete is expected to arrive later this afternoon in time to participate in the 33rd Heads of State and Government SADC Summit at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

Tanzania and Malawi have been involved in an historical follicle for a decade, as the two countries are still entangled in dispute, trying to find amicable solution to resolve the matter. Tanzania claims fifty percent of the Lake, while Malawi claims full ownership of the Lake.

Currently the matter is before the Mediator Mr. Joachim Chissano, former President of Mozambique, who leads the Forum of the former African Heads of State from the SADC region, along with former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and former President Festus Mogae of Botswana and the seven eminent legal experts of international repute.

Speaking before reporters, Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said the two countries are waiting recommendation from of the Forum.

“We are ready for any recommendation provided by the Forum, whether the matter is settled or recommended to seek other higher forums such as International Court of Justice,” said Minister Membe.

It should be noted that Tanzania has not ratified the treaty establishing the ICJ, which renders rather difficult for Malawi to bring her before the Court without any prior consent. 

End.