The 2013 CHOGM officially kicks off

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania greets his counterpart H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka during the opening ceremony of the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo, today November 15, 2013.  (Photo courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat)

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (right) as he participates in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which was officially opened today by Chairperson-in-office H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka.  Also in the photo is UK Foreign Minister William Hague (left).  

The Heads of Government and their representatives posing for the official photograph at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held at the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo, today November 15, 2013.  President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete is standing 3rd left, front role.  (Photo courtesy of the Commonwealth Secretariat)

Various traditional dancers who have gathered outside the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre for the CHOGM 2013 opening ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

Tanzania delegates outside the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre. 

The 2013 CHOGM officially kicks off

By Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa officially inaugurated the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) this morning, an event that was widely attended by world dignitaries that included Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.  

The event was held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre in Colombo City, under the main theme of "Growth with Equity; Inclusive Development." 

In response to the foreign media questions about world leaders attendance, the Sri Lankan President said that he welcomed the international community to ascertain the ground situation and that his country has nothing to hide from the international community.  

"The country is on the right path to development, after putting an end to continuous brutal killings and bomb blasts by terrorists," said President Rajapaksa during the pre-CHOGM press conference held yesterday November 14 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo City. 

The Sri Lankan President further explained that his Government will not hesitate to take any action against anybody who violates human rights. "My country is committed to uphold Commonwealth values of democracy, rule of law and good governance in the shared vision of bringing better opportunities for people around the world," said President Rajapaksa.   

He further noted the need for his Government to address other challenges such as the role of civil society in development, public-private partnership for wealth creation and enhancing the participation of youth in development and international trade. 

Meanwhile, other dignitaries from cross paths of the world have arrived in numbers since yesterday November 14, to the latter of  Presidents of Rwanda, South Africa and Cyprus, Vice Presidents from Malawi and Nigerian, Prime Ministers from New Zealand, Pakistan and Malaysia, as well as Prince Charles of the Wales who is here on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.  Prince Charles is accompanied by wife Lady Camilla Parker Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall.

Tanzania delegation, led by President Kikwete has participated in the Commonwealth Leaders’ meeting, the Business Forum, the Youth Forum and the two roundtable discussions with topic of opportunities available in Tanzania and how public and private sectors can collaborate to strengthen economic cooperation.

On the same margin of CHOGM week, the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry of Sri Lanka has put a request towards its citizens to hoist the National Flag of their country, in commemoration of the Commonwealth summit and the third anniversary of the second term of their President.  The said notice also requests the commemoration to begin November 14 to 19, 2013 when CHOGM ends.

End. 

President Kikwete discusses the North-West Grid Project with Chinese experts

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania in a bilateral meeting with Mr. Sun Bai, Chairman of China National Machinery & Equipment Corporation (CMEC), to discuss further cooperation for the North-West Grid Project.  The meeting took place yesterday at the Hilton Colombo Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  President Kikwete is in Sri Lanka participating in this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which was officially inaugurated today. 

Listening to the President discussion is Ambassador John William Herbert Kijazi (left) High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in India with accreditation to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Dr. Phillip Mpango (center), the Executive Secretary in the President's Office, Planning Commission and Ms. Julieth Kairuki (left), Director General of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC). 

The CMEC has been in talks with the Government of Tanzania investment ventures for the construction of the North-West Grid Power Transmission Project and the 300MW gas processing plant and transmission lines. 

Also in the meeting were Government Officials from the Tanzania State House, including Chief of Protocol Ambassador Mohammed Maharage Juma (right) and Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki (left), Director of the Department of Asia and Australasia, both from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. 

President Kikwete continues with discussion with the team from CMEC that was led by Mr. Sun Bai.  CMEC is a key subsidiary under the Sinomach Group and was established in 1978 at the dawn of China’s reform and opening-up period.   Its foreign aid by CMEC to African countries can be dated back to the inception of the company in the 1970s when CMEC aided the construction of a Farming Tool Factory in Tanzania, the Guinea Mamou Farming Tool Factory and the Zaire Kinshasa Farming Tool Factory. In the 1990s CMEC launched exports of complete sets of equipment and began contracting large engineering projects in Africa.

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

Vazi la Taifa?

Binti huyu, raia wa Sri Lanka, akiwa amevalia vazi lenye rangi za bendera ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, ikiwa ni sehemu ya ushiriki wa vijana katika mavazi ya mataifa wanachama wa Jumuiya ya Madola wakati wa Kikao cha Wakuu wa Nchi (CHOGM 2013) nchini Sri Lanka. 

Idadi kubwa ya watu katika nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu ilete mandeleo, Arab League

Na Ally Kondo, Kuwait

Nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu zimehimizwa kutumia idadi kubwa ya watu wanaoishi katika nchi hizo kama rasilimali ya kujiletea maendeleo ya kiuchumi kwa manufaa ya pande zote mbili. Kauli hiyo ilitolewa na Mwakilishi wa Umoja wa Nchi za Kiarabu wakati alipokuwa anatoa hotuba katika ufunguzi wa Mkutano wa Maafisa Waandamizi wa Ushirikiano baina ya Nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu ulioanza nchini Kuwait siku ya Alhamisi tarehe 14 Novemba, 2013.

 Wakati alipokuwa anafungua rasmi mkutano huo, Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Kuwait alieleza kuwa, Serikali ya Kuwait inazithamini na kuzipa kipaumbele nchi za Afrika akitolea mfano namna Mfuko wa Maendeleo wa Kuwait unavyofadhili miradi mingi ya maendeleo ikiwemo ya miundombinu katika nchi za Afrika.

 Naibu Waziri alieleza kuwa theluthi mbili ya nchi za Kiarabu zipo barani Afrika, hivyo alisisitiza umuhimu wa nchi hizo kushirikiana kiuchumi, hususan katika uwekezaji na biashara. Aidha, alisisitiza umuhimu wa mkutano huo kuweka malengo na mikakati thabiti ya utekelezaji ili kukidhi matarajio ya wananchi wa pande zote mbili.

 Kwa upande wa Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Libya ambaye nchi yake ilikuwa Mwenyekiti wa mkutano uliopita, alipongeza ripoti ya pamoja iliyoandaliwa na Sekretariet ya Umoja wa Kiarabu na Kamisheni ya Umoja wa Afrika kwa namna ilivyochambua utekelezaji wa malengo ya Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi na Serikali wa Ushirikiano baina ya Nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu uliofanyika Sirte, Libya mwaka 2010. Alisisitiza umuhimu wa kuimarisha mikakati ya utekelezaji wa malengo hayo pamoja na kurekebisha mapungufu yaliyobainishwa katika ripoti hiyo ili kuwe na tija kwa wananchi.

 Mwakilishi wa Mabalozi wa Umoja wa Afrika naye aliwasihi wajumbe wa mkutano huo kujadili kwa kina suala la uhamaji ambalo linaonekana kuwa ni changamoto kubwa duniani hivi sasa. Alisisitiza umuhimu wa mkutano huo kutoa mapendekezo ya kukomesha tatizo hilo bila kuathiri maisha ya watu.

 Mkutano wa Maafisa Waandamizi, ambao lengo lake kuu ni kuandaa Mkutano wa Mawaziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi  za Afrika na Kiarabu, utamalizika tarehe 15 Novemba, 2013. Mkutano huo, pamoja na masuala mengine, unatarajiwa kujadili namna ya kuoanisha vyombo vya kusimamia utekelezaji wa Mpango Mkakati na Mpango Kazi iliyopitishwa kwenye Mkutano wa Pili wa Ushirikiano baina ya Nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu na pia Kubuni mikakati ya kupata fedha kwa ajili ya utekelezaji wa miradi ya pamoja ya ushirikiano huo.

President Kikwete, Hon. Membe in a CHOGM preparatory meeting

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania walks with Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation after completion of one of the meetings yesterday, November 14, 2013 at the Hilton Colombo Hotel in Sri Lanka.

H.E. President Kikwete leads a briefing yesterday November 14,  in preparation for the 2013 CHOGM Meeting.  Also in the photo is Hon. Membe (2nd left), Hon. Abdallah Kigoda (MP) (2nd right), Minister for Trade and Industry and Hon. Magdalena Sakaya (MP-CUF) (right).

The meeting continues.

 All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

Sri Lankan President hosts Prince Charles

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa hosted the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall Sir Charles Philip Arthur George at the President's House yesterday (Nov. 14) evening. 

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Lady Camilla Parker Bowels are currently in Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 beginning today 15 November 2013.

Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive in Sri Lanka for 2013 CHOGM

Prince Charles of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka yesterday, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (2013 CHOGM).  Prince Charles is representing Queen Elizabeth II, who is the Head of the Commonwealth, and he is expected to participate in the CHOGM opening ceremony, and will host other Commonwealth events including a reception for business leaders and a dinner for Heads of Government.

This marks the first time in 40 years for the 87-year-old Queen to miss this year’s Commonwealth biennial event due to long-haul travel.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akutana kwa mazungumzo na Rais wa Sri Lanka

Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akilakiwa na Rais wa Sri Lanka Mhe. Mahinda Rajapaksa alipomtembelea jana kwa mazungumzo kabla ya ufunguzi rasmi wa Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi za Jumuiya ya Madola (CHOGM 2013).  Mazungumzo hayo yalifanyika kwenye jengo la Temple Trees jijini Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Mhe. Rais Kikwete akisaini kitabu cha wageni, wakati Rais wa Sri Lanka Mhe. Rajapaksa  (mwenye nguo nyeupe) na Mhe. Bernard K. Membe (Mb) (kushoto), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa wakishuhudia tukio hilo. 

Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akiwa katika mazungumzo na Rais wa Sri Lanka Mhe. Mahinda Rajapaksa wakati alipomtembelea jana kwenye jingo la Temple Trees jijini Colombo.

Mazungumzo ya Viongozi hao yakiendelea, wakati Mhe. Bernard K. Membe (Mb) (wa pili kushoto), Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa na Mhe. Balozi John Kijazi  (kushoto) wa Tanzania nchini India na Sri Lanka wakiwasikiliza kwa makini. 

Picha zote na Ikulu

Dar participates in CHOGM's Business Forum

Hon. Abdallah O. Kigoda (MP), Ministr for Industry and Trade makes a presentation about Tanzania and her investment opportunities during the Business Forum in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The meeting continues with Hon. Kigoda's presentation.

Businessmen from various sectors during the CHOGM's Business Forum in Sri Lanksa.

Also in the audience were Ms. Julieth Kairuki, Executive Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre and Ms. Redempta Tibaigana (Desk officer, Sri Lanka).

Hon. Mwinyihaji Makame (MP), Minister of State - Zanzibar in a photo with Ms. Badriya Kiondo of the Embassy of Tanzania in New Delhi and Ms. Juliet Kairuki of the Tanzania investment Centre.

Hon. Minister Kigoda and Hon. Minister Mwinyimvua (2nd right) in a photo with Ms. Kairuki (2nd left), Ms. Badriya Kiondo, Ms. Tibaigana (left).

All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago

President Kikwete and First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete arrive in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan traditional dancers welcome H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania to Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania and First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete have arrived earlier today in Colombo, Sri Lanka to participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 15-17 November, 2013.  

President Kikwete greets Mrs. Faith Masaka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon his arrival at the Hotel Colombo Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania in a photo with First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete. 

H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete in a discussion with Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Y. Sefue upon his arrival in Colombo, Sri Lanka to attend 2013 CHOGM.  (Photo by Issa Michuzi of the Tanzania State House)

Mrs. Dorcas Membe (left), wife of the Hon. Minister Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in a photo with Mrs. Joyce Kallaghe, wife of the United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioner in London with accreditation in the United Kingdom, in the Republic of Ireland, and the Commonwealth. 

Mr. George Masuha in a photo with Sri Lankan traditional dancers. 

Mr. Rogers Ringo in a photo with Sri Lankan traditional dancers.

Ankal in a photo with Sri Lankan traditional dancers holding Kandyan drum and the the drum used in Kandyan dancing is known as the Geta Bera.

Ankal in another photo. 

Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Y. Sefue in a brief meeting with members of the Tanzania State House. 

 All other photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 

Mkutano wa Ngazi ya Maafisa Waandamizi wa Afro Arab Summit wafunguliwa

Hii ni Meza Kuu wakati wa Mkutano wa Maafisa Waandamizi wa Ushirikiano baina ya Nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu {Afro Arab Summit} ulioanza tarehe 14 Novemba, 2013 nchini Kuwait

Mwenyekiti wa Mkutano wa Maafisa Waandamizi ambayre pia ni Naibu Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Kuwait akitoa hotuba ya ufunguzi. Alisisitiza umuhimu wa nchi za Afrika na Kiarabu kuimarisha ushirikiano wa kiuchumi,hususan katika uwekezaji na biashara

Kiongozi wa Ujumbe wa Tanzania, Dkt. Uledi Juma Mussa, Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Viwanda na Biashara akisikiliza kwa makini hotuba ya Mwenyekiti wa mkutano



Ujumbe wa Tanzania ukifuatilia kwa makini mkutano. kutoka kulia, Mhe. Balozi Simba Yahya, Mkurugnzi wa Idara ya Mashariki ya Kati katika Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, anayefuata, Mhe. Naimi Aziz, Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Ethiopia ambaye pia anashughulikia masuala ya Afro Arab na Mhe. Prof. Abdillah Omar, Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Saudi Arabia ambaye anawakilisha pia Kuwait na Qatar.

Sehemu ya ujumbe katika ukumbi wa mkutano



baadhi ya bendera katika ukumbi wa mkutano

CHOGM 2013 in Brief

The Commonwealth Ministers Action Group meet today (November 13, 2013) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall:  

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) where the CHOGM's Ministerial Group meets. 

The Commonwealth Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma opens the meeting of the Commonwealth Ministers Action Group (CMAG) held yesterday at the BMICH.

The Meeting was also attended by Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operaiton (not in the photo). 

The Commonwealth Youth Council:

The Commonwealth youth delegates elect new youth council leader  -  Ahmed Adamu from Nigeria will chair the new body, which will be the recognized voice of the 1.2 billion young people of the Commonwealth and provide a framework for youth-led development initiatives.

CMAG's Statement on Maldives:

The Ministers expressed their deep disappointment that the Maldives presidential election process had not concluded prior to the expiration of the President’s term in office on 11 November 2013.

The Group noted that the breach of the 11 November constitutional deadline to inaugurate a new president followed repeated delays to the electoral process, as a result of annulment by the Supreme Court of the first-round election on 7 September and the failure to proceed with three further elections on 28 September, 19 October and 10 November.

Ministers emphasised the urgency of ensuring a swift conclusion to the electoral process. In this regard, CMAG stressed the importance of the second-round election taking place as scheduled on 16 November, in a credible and peaceful manner, and of the newly elected president being inaugurated promptly thereafter.

The Commonwealth Business Forum Gala Dinner:  

The theme chosen for the CBF 2013 is ‘Partnership for Wealth Creation and Social Development: The Commonwealth, Indian Ocean and SAARC’.  The Commonwealth Charter states that "We the people of the Commonwealth: Recognizing that in an era of changing economic circumstances and uncertainty, new trade and economic patterns, unprecedented threats to peace and security, and a surge in popular demands for democracy, human rights and broadened economic opportunities, the potential of and need for the Commonwealth – as a compelling force for good and as an effective network for co-operation and for promoting development – has never been greater’.

The Commonwealth meeting highlights concerns of small state: 

“All Commonwealth societies should be better equipped to benefit from progress and increasingly able to share the dividends of prosperity. None should be left behind. This has ever been the driving spirit of the Commonwealth" - Commonwealth Secretary-General.