Luncheon Meeting In Honour of H E Mr Benjamin Mkapa, Hon'ble President of Tanzania
December 16, 2002, New Delhi

Speech by Mr. Digvijay Singh, Hon'ble Minister of External Affairs, Govt. of India

H E Mr Benjamin Mkapa, President, Tanzania
Distinguished members of the visiting delegation
H E Mrs Eva L Nzaro, Ambassador of Tanzania in India
Mr D K Jain, Our Ambassador in Tanzania
Mr Yogendra Kr Modi, Sr Vice President, FICCI
Mr Arun Bharat Ram, Chairman, CII International
Ladies and Gentlemen

I feel honoured and privileged to address this august gathering today. I join FICCI in extending a hearty welcome to H E Mr Benjamin William Mkapa and the accompanying delegation to India.

We were looking forward to this high level visit, Your Excellency since last couple of years. Sir, we consider your visit an important milestone in our economic and commercial relations.

The presence of Hon. Mr. J.M. Kikewete (Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation), Hon. Mr Charles Keenja (Minister for Agriculture and Food Security), Hon. Dr. Juma Ngasongwa (Minister for Industries and Trade) further testifies the deep interest of Tanzania in strengthening its bilateral ties.

Relations between India and Tanzania have traditionally been warm, close and friendly, characterized by active cooperation and a strong mutual understanding, further bolstered by Tanzania's hosting a sizeable Indian Diaspora. It is a matter of great satisfaction that Indo-Tanzania relations today encompass several important areas. The bilateral relationship during the past has strengthened in the political, economical, cultural, scientific and technological fields.

Both India and Tanzania have shared common perceptions, ideologies, aspirations, and a worldview. Nyerere admired Nehru's vision and non-alignment policy, and readily joined the NAM. Both countries continue to have a strong mutual understanding on a wide cross-section of major global issues, including on nuclear disarmament, terrorism, economic development, and environment, etc. Their mutual understanding extends to areas of vital interests to each other.

Both countries worked together actively in the struggle against colonialism, racism and apartheid. Nyerere was held in high esteem in India, and was conferred with Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for 1974, and International Gandhi Peace Prize for 1995.

The two countries have a number of bilateral agreements, including one for a Joint Commission (signed in 1975, the JC held its 5th meeting in May 2001), a bilateral trade agreement (signed in January 2000), a bilateral cultural agreement singed in 1975, a bilateral treaty for avoidance of double taxation (singed in 1979) to name a few.

In conclusion I reiterate that our two countries share significant common ground. If we can work together, I do believe we can produce powerful synergies.

I hope the meetings held during the visit will pave way for better economic ties.

Thank You