JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED DURING THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA BY H.E. ABDULLAH GÜL, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY,

 22 – 23 FEBRUAY, 2009

 

1.     At the invitation of His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Abdullah Gül,  President of the Republic of Turkey and his wife, Her Excellency Hayrunnisa Gül, made a two-day official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania from 22nd  to 23rd  February, 2009.

 

2.     His Excellency President Abdullah Gül was accompanied other members of the Turkish Government, together with a group of Turkish business people.

 

3.     On arrival at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, His Excellency President Abdullah Gül was met by his host, His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the Vice President, Hon. Mohammed A. Shein, the Prime Minister, Hon. Mizengo Pinda (MB), and other high ranking government officials.

 

4.     The Tanzania-Turkey Business Forum was held on 22nd February 2009 bringing together potential Turkish investors and Tanzania entrepreneurs.  The Forum is expected to open up new areas of trade and commerce between the two countries.

 

5.     The President of Turkey also attended a graduation ceremony at the FEZA Boys Secondary School.  During the graduation ceremony the school administration announced an intention to build a University alongside the existing school so as to increase enrolment to higher learning.

 

6.     On the 23rd February, 2009 the two Presidents held official talks in which they discussed and reviewed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.  The official talks were followed by the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Technical, Scientific and Economic Co-operation between Tanzania and Turkey in Agriculture. The two Presidents noted progress made by Turkey in agriculture, from which Tanzania can learn.

 

7.     The two Presidents noted with satisfaction the excellent bilateral relations that so happily exist between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen and broaden the relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples. They also agreed to exchange information and experience on a number of sectors with a view to consolidating bilateral ties.

 

8.     The two Presidents emphasized the importance of promotion of partnership between Turkey and Tanzania in line with the priority areas set out in the Africa-Turkey Partnership for Co-operation adopted at the Africa-Turkey Summit in August, 2008.  The areas include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-business, water resources management, small and medium enterprises, infrastructure, communication, energy, health, education, and peace and security.

 

9.     H.E. President Abdullah Gül expressed the intention of the Government of Turkey to open an Embassy in Dar es Salaam in the near future. Likewise, His Excellency President Kikwete also announced Tanzania’s intention to do so in due course.

 

10.                        His Excellency President Gül also announced that Turkish Airways will soon establish direct air links between Tanzania and Turkey. The air link will further promote interaction between two countries.

 

 

11.                         At the end of the visit, His Excellency Abdullah Gül expressed gratitude to His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania for the brotherly welcome and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. His Excellency President Gül invited His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete to visit Turkey. His Excellency President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete accepted the invitation.

 

ISSUED AT DAR- ES-SALAAM

ON THE 23RD FEBRUARY, 2009