Dar es Salaam, 1 July 2016
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame today arrived in Tanzania’s business capital Dar es Salaam to Officiate the opening of the 40th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF). They were received by President Magufuli and First Lady Janeth Magufuli.
The reciprocal visit started with both Presidents meeting for a bilateral meeting where the two heads of state committed to strengthen ties in key sectors including in the areas of aviation to enable their citizens to work together and accelerate development for both nations. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the areas of cooperation between the two countries. President Kagame and President Magufuli then delivered press remarks;
“Our visit, and the agreements signed today, represent our desire for continued partnership, and closer collaboration on issues of mutual interest, in all sectors. The president and I have had good discussions, building on the spirit of friendship, strong historical ties, and the future aspirations shared by Tanzania and Rwanda. We will continue to strengthen our longstanding bilateral relationship, and work more closely together to create more opportunities, and increased prosperity, for our citizens, as well as the greater East African region,” President Kagame said.
“Tanzania’s government will continue to take measures to facilitate the efficiency of the Dar-ea-salaam port. Our two countries enjoy good relations based on common mutual relations and respect. Rwanda is our best friend. We are committed to ensure transport infrastructure project is timely implemented,” added President Magufuli.
Rwanda and Tanzania last month agreed to form a joint implementation committee (JIC) to closely monitor important areas agreed during the 14th session of the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).This meeting was a directive of Presidents Kagame and Magufuli after the latter’s visit to Rwanda in April.
President Kagame and First lady then joined their Tanzanian counterpart at the Saba Saba Grounds to launch the 40th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair where President Kagame was the Keynote speaker;
“I congratulate the Tanzania Trade Development Authority and the record number of exhibitors participating this year, including more than 15 Rwandan companies. This confirms what we already know: Tanzanians are eager to do business and are working hard to develop their country and our region. Rwandans share this commitment. Our visit here is an occasion to learn how we can do more business together and take our countries forward. Tanzania and Rwanda are bound by more than history and the border we share. We also have a common purpose and future as members of the East African Community and the Central Corridor. The people of our region have the drive and dynamism, and they can only benefit from the vast opportunities, that come with faster and deeper integration,” President Kagame said.
President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame were also hosted to a State Banquet; “We truly appreciate the spirit of goodwill that defines the relationship between Rwanda and Tanzania. Beyond our geographical proximity, our countries share a common history, and the values of hard work, respect, and cooperation. We both seek stability, prosperity, and dignity for our nations and our continent. May the friendship between Rwanda and Tanzania continue to flourish, in the years to come.” President Kagame toasted
President Kagame is the second head of state to visit Tanzania since President Magufuli was sworn in last November. The first was Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang.
END