Kikwete, who is on a working visit to this country, arrived in Tshwane on Friday morning on his way from Botswana where he also held discussions with President Festus Mogae.
This is part of the newly elected leader’s efforts to consolidate relations with countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
During their talks, both Presidents Mbeki and Kikwete are expected to review the status of their countries’ bilateral political and economic relations.
The discussions will also look into progress made since the establishment in September last year of the Presidential Economic Commission.
It was established by both countries to encourage regular talks about pertinent political, economic and development issues.
The other commission is the Bi-national Commission headed by the two countries’ foreign affairs departments and consists of other departments as well.
The Presidents are also expected to deliberate on developments in the SADC region and new developments in the Great Lakes region regarding peace and stability.
International issues of mutual concern such as the reform of the United Nations and new developments in the ongoing World Trade Organisations’ talks will also feature in the deliberations.
As one of the major role players in the African Union (AU), the SADC and East Africa’s development and peacekeeping activities, Tanzania’s relations with South Africa are seen as vital.
“Tanzania is also very active in the Great Lakes region and the South African government will fully support its initiatives to get the Paliphutu-FNL to join the process.
“His visit will also present us with an opportunity to review the challenges in the region and how we can alleviate them to ensure movement towards peace and stability,” said Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad.
According to the foreign affairs department, South Africa and Tanzania enjoy “healthy” trading and investment relations.
South Africa’s annual exports to Tanzania were projected to be over R2,4-billion in 2004, while imports were forecast at R206,8-million in the same year.
This country’s exports to Tanzania are predominantly in manufacturing: machinery, mechanical appliances, paper, rubber products, vehicles, iron, steel, services, and technology.
South Africa, which ranks fourth on the list of foreign investors in Tanzania, also contributes about 10% of total investment in that country.
About 150 South African companies are actively operating in Tanzania, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.
President Kikwete is expected to leave for Lesotho on Saturday. – BuaNews
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