Tanzania to Commonwealth: We stand together to face global challenges

Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma met Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in the commercial city of Dar es Salaam on Friday (20 February 2009) and discussed the Commonwealth’s response to the global economic crisis and emerging environmental challenges.

President Kikwete and Mr Sharma spoke of the Commonwealth’s role in accelerating global efforts on the reform of institutions and reform of international environmental governance, and agreed that more collaborative effort is needed to resolve the globe’s problems.

“Commonwealth leaders have played a significant role in developing new ideas to tackle these challenges,” Mr Sharma said. “They are focused on continuing this at their next meeting in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago) in November.”

The President and the Secretary-General also discussed the current state of the “Muafaka” agreement – reached between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi and the opposition Civic United Front to create an environment for sustained political dialogue in the country.

President Kikwete noted that the Commonwealth is the moral guarantor of the agreement and reaffirmed his commitment to a successful conclusion to the mutual satisfaction of all parties. Mr Sharma reiterated the Commonwealth’s continued engagement with the process.

Mr Sharma arrived in Tanzania late on Thursday (19 February 2009) from Kenya, where he moderated a ministerial session at the United Nations Environment Programme annual meetings. On Friday he saw President Kikwete, Foreign Minister Bernard Membe, House Speaker Samwell Sitta and opposition Civic United Front leader Professor Ibrahim Lipumba.

Mr Sharma also briefed President Kikwete on preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Trinidad and Tobago in November.

Key Links:

• Secretary-General
• Country Profile: Tanzania