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| President Jakaya Kikwete. |
President Kikwete is set to leave office later this year as the country now prepares for the general elections, which will introduce in a new president, MPs and councillors.
Mr Abbot hinted that democratic transfer of power in many African countries has been problematic; hence making Tanzania’s move unique and creditable.
Tanzania’s fundamental law recognises two-term limit on presidency while legislators and councillors are free to run for their seats as much as they can.
President Kikwete, who is expected home today, was in Australia for a fourday official visit among others, to discuss trade, business and global security.
“I congratulate you for deciding to transfer power peacefully as per your country’s constitution. It is very rare to find this in African continent,” Mr Abbot told President Kikwete, stressing that his country will continue supporting various socio-economic drives in Tanzania.
A media statement released in Dar es Salaam by the Directorate of Presidential Communications stated that the duo also discussed how to strengthen cooperation in maritime security and economic diplomacy.
Meanwhile, President Kikwete yesterday visited the Australian leader’s residence where he was received with much pomp and pageantry.
According to the media statement, the president received 21-gun salute before planting a tree as a sign of cementing relationship between Tanzania and Australia.
The two countries have been enjoying cordial relations since the 1960s and have vowed to reinforce the cooperation in various sectors, including investment and business.
President Kikwete was also expected to meet Australian investors who have already invested in the country to see how they can venture into the natural gas and oil sub-sector.
The Australian government and number of private companies are currently assisting Tanzania in various areas, including supporting vocational trainings and advancing researches in agricultural sector.
Today, the Newcastle University is expected to honour President Kikwete with a Doctor of Laws degree for his distinguished 10-year leadership contribution within and outside Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Retired President Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi flew back home from China where he attended an international seminar to mark the 70th commemoration of the establishment of the United Nations Organisation.
According to press statement issued by the Private Office of the Retired President, he visited the country following a joint invitation by the China People Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and United Nations Association (UNA) of China to deliver a speech at the seminar.
President Mwinyi visited a number of projects and places in China and held discussions with various prominent officials in China.
The visit by the retired president to China, the statement noted, is “a sign that the two sister countries value their all-weather friendship in addition to being keen to sustain the spirit for the new generations to inherit and perpetuate’’.
Daily News
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