SPEECH
BY SHRI K R NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE ACCEPTING THE CREDENTIALS FROM
DR. AHMED K M KIWANUKA, HIGH COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF
TANZANIA TO INDIA
NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 8, 1997
Excellency,
I am very pleased
to receive the letter of credence appointing you as the High Commissioner
of the United Republic of Tanzania to India.
India's ties with
Tanzania go back far into history, and are marked by a special quality.
Our peoples have struggled valiantly against colonialism and are now engaged
in building modern, democratic societies based on the principles of equality,
secularism and social justice.
The historical relationship
between India and Tanzania has been strengthened by the close friendship
and the shared ideals of the leaders of our nationalist movements. We
regard Mwalimu Julius Nyerere as a world figure of extraordinary wisdom.
He has made an invaluable contribution to the growth of our bilateral
relations, and indeed to the promotion of world peace and the advancement
of the interests of the South.
The recent visit
to Tanzania of our Prime Minister was a notable success. The warmth with
which he was received by the government and people of Tanzania was demonstrative
of the close ties of affinity and solidarity between our two countries.
The wide-ranging deliberations during the visit also reflected the mutuality
of our interests and our common desire to forge a new partnership to jointly
face the challenges that face us. In consonance with our commitment to
South-South cooperation, we have shared developmental experiences for
mutual benefit in such areas as agriculture, small industries and the
development of human resources. The process of economic reform and liberalisation
in our two countries has opened up new opportunities for trade and investment.
India's participation in Tanzania's economic development programme has
increased substantially in recent years. The large number of Tanzanian
students studying in Indian educational institutions is testimony to the
strong educational and cultural links.
As members of the
Nonaligned Movement and of the Commonwealth, India and Tanzania share
a commonality of views on global issues. We are deeply appreciative of
the consistent support we have received from Tanzania on various international
issues that affect us vitally. We are committed to working together to
fulfil the aspirations of our people to live in a better and more equitable
world.
The recent revival
of East African cooperation, comprising Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and
Tanzania's membership of the Southern African Development Community and
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa make your country a valuable
partner for India in our constructive engagement with the countries of
Africa. Our two countries have an important role to play in the growth
and evolution of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation,
as we collectively seek to harness the resources of the region for the
common benefit of our peoples.
I wish to convey
through you, Mr. High Commissioner, on behalf of the people and Government
of India, and on my own behalf, warm greetings to His Excellency, President
Benjamin William Mkapa. His sagacious leadership and visionary approach
in shaping the destiny of modern Tanzania has helped to consolidate democratic
institutions and usher Tanzania into an era of economic prosperity.
In wishing you a
successful term of office in India, I assure you the fullest cooperation
of my Government in our common endeavour to strengthen the warm and friendly
relations which exist between our Governments and peoples.
Thank you
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