President N R Mandela, accompanied by Foreign Minister A Nzo, will pay an official visit to the United Republic of Tanzania on 17 November 1998. During the visit, the President will conduct official discussions with his host, Tanzanian President Benjamin William Mkapa, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. In view of his endeavours to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflicts in the SADC region, President Mandela will also make use of this opportunity to exchange views with his counterpart on regional issues.
In view of the Presidents highly successful state visit to Tanzania in May 1995 as well as the high regard in which he is being held, the Tanzanian Government has requested President Mandela to also address the National Executive Committee of the ruling CCM Party and a Public Rally at the National Stadium.
Trade between Tanzania and South Africa is rapidly increasing and has tripled during the past four years to around one billion Rand per annum. Tanzania has recently been praised by the IMF and the World Bank for its economic reforms and numerous South African businesses have already established themselves in Tanzania to the mutual benefit of both countries.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 16 NOVEMBER 1998