1. At the invitation of the President of the Republicof South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, His Excellency Mr Jakaya Kikwete, paid a two day State Visit to South Africa from 18 to 21 July 2011.
2. His Excellency, President Kikwete was accompanied by the First Lady, Her Excellency Mama Salma Kikwete, several ministers, senior government officials and a business delegation.
3. The two Heads of State held official talks during which they discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues. President Zuma recalled Tanzania’s heroic support for the liberation struggle in South Africa which culminated into the establishment of deep mutual bonds between the peoples of South Africa and Tanzania.
4. The Presidents expressed their satisfaction with the cordial relations that so happily exist between the two countries and further expressed the need to deepen cooperation in various areas including the fight against poverty, underdevelopment and HIV and AIDS.
5. The two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the ever-growing trade relations between the two countries as manifested by the increasing bilateral investments and engagements.
6. The visit afforded the two countries the opportunity to sign an overarching agreement establishing the Bi-National Commission which provides for a wider and broader scope of cooperation between the two countries. Also the two countries signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of Arts and Culture. In addition, the two Presidents directed the relevant authorities of both countries to finalise following Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding were signed:
- Agreement on Cooperation in Agriculture
- Agreement on Mutual Assistance between Customs Administration
- Bilateral Air Services Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding on Transport Related Matters
7. The two Heads of State noted the steady progress in the implementation of the Agreements and MoU’s signed between the two countries thus far and urged the relevant authorities to expedite the process of implementation whilst exploring new areas for cooperation.
8. The two Heads of State addressed the Tanzania/South Africa Business Forum held in Pretoria aim of promoting trade and investment between the two countries.
9. The two Heads of State noted the recently held successful elections in a number of African Countries that contribute to deepening democracy on the African continent. In this regard, the two Heads of State congratulated the new Republic of South Sudan on achieving statehood and committed themselves to supporting the country in building institutional and human resource capacity.
10. The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) regional integration and reiterated their commitment to working together in promoting the SADC Agenda.
11. The two Heads of State recalled the recent COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit which was held from 8 to 12 June 2011 in South Africa. In this regard, both Heads of State noted that this represents an advanced stage of regional integration and called for the full implementation of the decisions taken at the summit.
12. The two Heads of State also expressed their commitment to African Unity and the strengthening of the African Union Commission to better serve the peoples of the continent in speeding up the continental integration agenda to enhance trade and development.
13. Regarding international matters, the two Presidents reiterated their common view on the need to reform the multilateral institutions including the United Nations Security Council and the Bretton Woods Institutions to better represent the interests of the developing countries.
14. During the visit, HE President Kikwete, laid a wreath at the Freedom Park Monument in commemoration of the fallen heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle.
15. At the conclusion of the state visit, His Excellency, President Kikwete expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, the Government and People of the Republic of South Africa for the warm hospitality and fraternal reception accorded to him and his delegation during the visit. His Excellency President Kikwete extended an invitation to His Excellency President Jacob Zuma to visit Tanzania at his convenient time. The exact dates shall be communicated through the diplomatic channels.
For further information please contact:
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
