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Comoro president arrives for state visit
2006-03-30 07:52:23
By Patrick Kisembo
The president of the Comoro Islands, Azali Assoumani, arrived in the country yesterday for a five-day state visit.
A special Tanzanian aircraft carrying President Assoumani and his wife, Ambari Azali, and 11 senior government officials touched down at Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam at 13:17.
He was received by President Jakaya Kikwete and his wife Mama Salma Kikwete, Vice-President Ali Mohammed Shein and a host of senior government officials.
Assoumani is the first foreign head of state to visit Tanzania since President Kikwete came to power in December.
After his arrival, President Assoumani received a 21-gun salute as the national anthems of the two countries were being played by the brass band. He later inspected a guard of honour.
After brief session of entertainment at the airport, the visiting president accompanied by his host was driven to Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel.
In his welcoming remarks, President Kikwete said the visit by President Assoumani would enhance respect between the people of the two countries.
’’I thank you Mr President for accepting my invitation. The visit will cement our friendship and relations between our countries,’’ Kikwete said.
’’I’d like to take this opportunity to suggest that the time has come for our countries to form a joint permanent commission to monitor our political, economic and traditional relationships,’’ he added.
Tanzania and the Comoros islands have enjoyed cordial relations in commerce, education, traditions and politics.
Kikwete said many businesspeople from the Comoros islands come to Tanzania for the purchase of foodstuff, clothes and other items.
’’I’m told the biggest Tanzanian cattle market is the Comoros. This is good news for us all,’’ Kikwete said.
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