His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya met in Windhoek, Namibia on 21st March, 2015 to discuss bilateral issues.
Both Presidents were in Windhoek to attend the 25th Independence Anniversary and Inauguration of the 3rd President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob. Also in attendance were the Foreign Ministers Bernard K. Membe of Tanzania and Ambassador Amina Mohamed of Kenya as well as Engineer Michael Kamau, Kenya’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister.
The main issues of the meeting revolved around transport and tourism sectors. In particular, the two Heads of State discussed the decision by the Ministry of Tourism of Kenya to bar Tanzania registered vehicles from accessing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They also discussed the decision by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to reduce the frequency of Kenya Airways flights operating between Kenya and Tanzanian Airports.
On the two issues under deliberation, the two leaders agreed on the following actions:
1. To reinstate the status quo. This means, with immediate effect, Tanzania registered vehicles will access the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as before, while Kenya Airways will continue with its normal operations.
2. Within four weeks, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will convene and chair a meeting of the parties including Ministers of Transport, Ministers of Tourism and Chiefs of Staffs in the two Presidencies to discuss and reach a mutual beneficial agreement. The first meeting will be held in Dar es Salaam on a date to be agreed by the conveners.
The meeting was held under a very cordial atmosphere with two Heads of State emphasizing the need to continue discuss openly issues affecting the brotherly and a long-standing bilateral relationship that exists between Tanzania and Kenya.
Done in Windhoek, Namibia on 21st March, 2015.
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