“Despite changes in the international arena, China-Tanzania ties have
developed in a sound and smooth way since the two countries forged
diplomatic ties in 1964,“ Hu told Kikwete.
“It can be viewed as an exemplary relationship of sincerity,
solidarity and cooperation between China and an African country and
between two developing countries,“ he said.
Kikwete said Tanzania and China enjoy a special relationship, which was
initiated by the previous leaderships of both nations, adding that
Tanzania would carry forward the traditional relationship and foster
solidarity with China.
Hu, making his first state visit to Tanzania, was accorded a 21-gun
salute before inspecting a Tanzania guard of honour at the welcoming
ceremony yesterday morning at the Karimjee Hall, which was thronged by
a large number of Tanzanians who greeted the Chinese leader by playing
drums and trumpets, clapping their hands and waving flags.
Major streets of Dar es Salaam were also festooned with the national
flags of both countries and banners that read “Welcome President Hu“
and “Long Live China-Tanzania Friendship.“ Some local people wore
costumes and shirts featuring Hu`s pictures.
In the hour-long talk with Kikwete at State House, Hu said the
relations between China and Tanzania had demonstrated a new vitality in
recent years, citing frequent high-level visits, stronger political
trust and cooperation in trade and culture.
He appreciated Tanzania`s efforts to ensure the smooth relay of the
Olympic torch in Dar es Salaam last year as well as its adherence to
the “one-China“ policy.
Hu suggested that both countries enhance political exchange, deepen
political trust and step up cooperation in trade, culture, education
and public health.
He called for an early implementation of the agreed cooperative
programmes and the measures announced at the Beijing Summit of the
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
This is Hu`s second African tour since the landmark China-Africa summit
in November 2006, when he announced eight measures to promote China`s
ties with Africa, including massive tariff cuts and debt exemptions for
scores of African countries, and doubling of aid to Africa over a
three-year period.
The Chinese leader said his government would invite young Tanzanians to
visit China and offer more scholarships to the eastern African country.
In response, President Kikwete said his country appreciates the
generous assistance and support offered by China for a long time,
affirming commitment that Tanzania would like to work with China to
cement cooperation in trade, investment, finance, agriculture,
education, public health and infrastructure.
He also reaffirmed that Tanzania would, as always, stick to the
one-China policy and firmly support China`s efforts to ensure its
sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the global financial crisis, Hu said China would like to enhance
communication and coordination with Tanzania and other African
countries with a view to minimize the impact of the crisis.
“China will keep its promise, not reduce aid to Africa and urge the
international community to honour their aid commitment to the
continent,“ he said.
China would take a comprehensive, balanced, progressive and pragmatic
approach to reform the international financial system, including
increasing African and developing countries` representation and voice
in this reform, Hu added.
Kikwete said the global financial crisis and economic downturn were taking a toll on his country.
Noting Tanzania was taking action to tackle the difficulties, Kikwete
called for joint action with China to address the effects of the
downturn.
Hu said China would like to work with the international community to
play a constructive role in ensuring Africa\’s peace and security.
Four cooperation agreements were signed after the talks between the two leaders.
Later yesterday, Hu met with President Amani Abeid Karume of Zanzibar,
where the Chinese leader said ties with Zanzibar constituted an
important part of China-Tanzania relations.
The Chinese president lauded Zanzibar’s economic and social progress,
saying that China would continue to provide assistance to the region.
China will encourage businesses with strong capacities to invest in
Zanzibar, and support efforts by the Zanzibar government to promote
economic and social development and improve the livelihood of its
people, he said.
Karume said Zanzibar values its relations with China and appreciates its assistance in public health, education and culture.
Inspired by China`s achievements, Zanzibar would like to learn from
China and boost bilateral pragmatic cooperation in the economy, trade,
tourism and infrastructure, Karume said.
Yesterday afternoon, Hu attended the completion ceremony of the Main National Stadium and visited cemetery for Chinese experts.
Dar es Salaam is the fourth stop on Hu’s weeklong trip. He arrived here
on Saturday night from the Senegalese capital of Dakar, after
concluding a visit to that country.
The five-nation tour, Hu’s first overseas trip in 2009, is described as
“a journey of friendship and cooperation.“ Earlier, Hu visited Saudi
Arabia and Mali.
He will also visit Mauritius before flying back home Tuesday.
GUARDIAN
Post published in: Politics