H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (right), President of the United Republic of Tanzania today met with H.E. Bon Yayi, President of the Republic of Benin for official talks in the State House, in Dar es Salaam. President Yayi who is also a Chairman for the African Union, is in the country for an official visit to discuss various matters including political situation in Madagascar, the situation in Mali and the progress in Somalia.
President Kikwete gives his opening remarks during a press conference, highlighting recent SADC Organ Summit he Chaired, which was held on January 10 to 11, 2013 in the State House, in Dar es Salaam.
During the press conference, President Kikwete talked about political impasse in Madagascar, saying that it was a work in progress. However, he welcomed and commended President Andry Rajoelina of Madagascar for taking a bold, patriotic decision not to contest the upcoming elections for the sake of peace and stability of the Madagascar.
President Kikwete further noted that, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) had made a Declaration last week in respect to political situation in Madagascar. However, he said that the Declaration was placed on hold until President Rajoelina fulfills his commitment of not contesting the upcoming election in that country.
"Given that President Rajoelina has done so, the SADC now will proceed and release the said Declaration", said President Kikwete.
President Kikwete also commended former President of Madagascar, Mr. Mark Ravalomanana for taking a stand of not contesting the election. "It is an expression of greater political maturity for putting first the interest of people of Madagascar before himself," said President Kikwete.
In concluding his remarks, President Kikwete expressed his pleasure of what had transpired in respect to Madagascar, reaffirming SADC's commitment to work with people of Madagascar before and during the elections, until political normalcy returns back in that country.
Government Delegation from the Republic of Benin included Mr. Nassirou Arifari Bako (left), Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Mariam Aladji (center), Special Advisor to the President - Diplomatic Affairs and Mr. Aganu Laisi, Interpreter.
President Kikwete concluding his remarks before members of the press (not in the photo). Listening on is his counterpart H.E. Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin.
Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), (center), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation listening to President Kikwete(not in the photo) during the press conference. Others are Mr. Nassirou Arifari Bako (right), Minister for Foreign Affairs of Benin and Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (left), Senior Advisor to President Kikwete - Diplomatic Affairs.
President Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin gives his remarks during the press conference. In his remarks, President Yayi extended his appreciation to President Kikwete (right) for his hospitality during his two-days official visit.
President Yayi said he was also pleased to hear the report on the recent SADC Organ Troika Summit that President Kikwete had chaired, in particular, the political situations in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Eastern Congo DRC.
During the press conference, President Yayi said in his meeting with his counterpart H.E. Kikwete, the two Presidents discussed other regional areas such as Somalia and Mali.
He updated the press on the current situation in Mali, saying that currently there are troops being deployed from Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso heading to that region. President Yayi welcomed other member States from the African Union to deploy more troops to Mali to secure the country's fallout.
In concluding his remarks, President Yayi extended his invitation to President Kikwete to visit his country Benin, to the latter that President Kikwete accepted wholeheartedly.
Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP) (right), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation exchanges views with Ambassador Liberata Mulamula (left), Senior Advisor to President Kikwete (Diplomatic Affairs).
H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (right), President of the United Republic of Tanzania in a photo with H.E. Boni Yayi (left), President of the Republic of Benin.
All photos by Tagie Daisy Mwakawago of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation