Zuma rolls out red carpet for Kikwete

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Pretoria - Political issues affecting the continent, bilateral cooperation and economic relations will feature high on the agenda of discussions between President Jacob Zuma and his Tanzanian counterpart, President Jakaya Kikwete.

Zuma has rolled out the red carpet for Kikwete, who will be treated to the religious ceremonial guard and a 21-gun salute in the flower-bedecked Union Buildings this morning.

Kikwete, accompanied by several cabinet ministers and a business delegation, is in the country for a state visit aimed at exploring investment and trade opportunities between the two countries.

Several bilateral agreements are due to be signed during the two-day visit as the countries look to expand co-operation on trade, energy, mining, water and transport.

It is Kikwete's first state visit to South Africa since he took office in 2005.

There is strong trade co-operation between the two countries. More than 150 South African companies operate in Tanzania.

The business delegations of the two countries will meet on the sidelines of the visit, and will be addressed by the two Heads of State on 19 July.

Zuma will be supported by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Arts and Culture; Transport; Science and Technology; Energy; Finance; Mineral Resources; Water and Environmental Affairs as well as Trade and Industry.