Your Excellency, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete,

President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Madam Salma Kikwete,

Distinguished Guests,

It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to receive you today, Mr. President, on your first State Visit to India. On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I extend a warm welcome to you and Madam Salma Kikwete - and the distinguished members of your delegation.

Your Excellency, the people of India know Tanzania as a land of magnificent lakes, rich wildlife reserves and the mighty, snow-capped Kilimanjaro. We appreciate Tanzania as a nation of gracious and hard working people, living in peace and harmony. Tanzania evokes in us fond memories of its iconic founder-leader, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and his close friendship with India’s Founding Fathers. In particular, we remember him for his contribution to South-South Co-operation.

Under your leadership, Excellency, Tanzania has made commendable progress. It stands tall on the world stage - among the fastest growing economies of the world. We applaud your success in reducing poverty and hunger in Tanzania. We welcome your successful efforts for achieving peace in your region. India has similar goals - of accelerated economic development and inclusive growth within our country and also greater progress and prosperity in our region. As two vibrant nations with age-old ties and many common interests, our joint efforts are an inspiring example of South-South Co-operation. India and Tanzania have a shared commitment to international peace and stability. We both desire to see that the fruits of globalisation are enjoyed more equitably. Mr. President, India values the close co-operation that we have with Tanzania in multilateral fora.It is our firm belief that nations such as ours should make common cause to ensure that the institutions of global governance address our concerns and meet the aspirations of developing countries. We have taken the initiative, along with other developing countries, to pursue reforms in the United Nations and its key organisations, particularly the Security Council.We are grateful for your support to our claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Excellency, I take this opportunity to reiterate that India is deeply committed to its partnership with Africa. We consider the people of Africa as brothers on journey to a common destination. I recall your previous visit to India in 2008 as Co-chairman of the 1st India-Africa Forum Summit. Since its inception, this Forum has symbolised the shared interests of roughly one-fourth of the world’s geographical area and one-third of humanity. India will have the privilege of hosting the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in October this year. I am confident that the Summit will result in new initiatives and innovative ideas for the development, growth and advancement of all our peoples. We look forward to Tanzania’s active participation in this event.

With these words, Excellency, I once again welcome you and Madam Salma Kikwete and wish you a very fruitful visit to India.

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I now request you to join me in raising a toast to:

-the good health and success of His Excellency, President Jakaya Kikwete and Madam Salma Kikwete;

-to the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania; and

-to the enduring friendship between India and Tanzania.

Thank you.