From The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation:Tanzania is set to participate in CHOGM 2013

Hon. Minister Bernard K. Membe (MP), exchanges views with Ambassador Peter Kallaghe, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in London with accreditation to the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth, during a preparatory meeting with the Tanzania delegation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).  The meeting was held earlier today at the Hilton Colombo Hotel in Colombo City, Sri Lanka.  

H.E. Ambassador John William Herbert Kijazi (right), High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in India with accreditation to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka gives his opening remarks during the meeting with Minister Membe (center).  Also in the photo is Ambassador Kallaghe (left). 

The meeting continues with Hon. Minister Membe going over various programs.  In the photo are Ambassador Celestine Mushy (right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation and Ambassador Mbelwa Kairuki (left), Director of the Department of Asia and Australasia both from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.  Also in the photo is Ms. Julieth Kairuki, Executive Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC).

Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Y. Sefue (center), holds a preparatory meeting yesterday November 10, 2013 in time to participate in the Senior Officials Meeting from 11-12 November in Colombo, Sri Lanka.  Also in the meeting is Ms. Eva Ng'itu (left), Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr. Baraka Luvanda (right), Coordinator in the office of Chief Secretary.  Others are Mr. Kaijage (2nd left), Cabinet Under-secretary (President's Office), Ambassador Peter Kallaghe (3rd left), High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania in London accredited to the United Kingdom, to the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth, and Mr. Amos Msanjila, Minister Counselor in the Tanzania High Commission in London.  

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By Tagie Daisy Mwakawago 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation

Tanzania is set to participate in this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 15-17 November, 2013.  H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania is expected to participate along with other world dignitaries from the Commonwealth countries. 

The President will be accompanied by Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation who has arrived today in Colombo City, in time to participate in the Ministerial level meeting, set to begin 13-14 November 2013.  Others include Hon. William Mgimwa (MP), Minister for Finance, Hon. Abdallah Kigoda (MP), Minister for Industry and Trade, Hon. Mwinyihaji Makame (MP), Minister of State – Zanzibar, Chief Secretary Ambassador Ombeni Y. Sefue and other Senior Government Officials.

The Meeting will begin with the Commonwealth Youth Forum from 10-14 November as well as the Commonwealth People’s Forum on the same dates; the Senior Officials Meeting from 11-12 November; the Commonwealth Business Forum from 12-14 November and Foreign Ministers’ meeting from 13-14 November 2013.  The Commonwealth Leaders are scheduled to meet from 15 to 17 November, 2013. 

While in Sri Lanka, Tanzania delegation is expected to attend the Commonwealth Leaders’ meeting, the Business Forum, Youth Forum and the two roundtable discussions with topic of opportunities available in Tanzania and how public and private sectors can collaborate to strengthen economic cooperation. 

Describing their anticipation for this Meeting, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka says “as the host country, we look forward to sharing experiences in areas of collective interest, including rural development, youth empowerment and people-centered socio-economic growth within our Commonwealth family, and engaging with all members to achieve a significant outcome.”  President Rajapaksa, is now the Chairperson-in-office for a biennial period as a country host, replacing Australia who held the CHOGM Chairperson position since 2011.

The Commonwealth Leaders meet every two years to deliberate on ways to find solutions and initiatives to the national and global challenges in order to continue to serve the world better. CHOGM brings together political leaders, a wide spectrum of civil society, the youth, business communities and others who share the vision of this global summit. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the Commonwealth is an active participant of all meetings since 1973.  

The Meetings typically focus on a range of global issues, including international peace and security, democracy, climate change, multilateral trade issues, good governance, sustainable development, small states, debt management, education, environment, gender equality, health, human rights, information and communication technology, and youth affairs. 

The Commonwealth is home to two billion citizens of all faiths and ethnicities and includes a wide diversity of the global population, from the world’s largest to the smallest, the developed and developing nations.  Member countries come from six regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the South Pacific. These biennial meetings serve as the principal policy and decision-making forum that guides the strategic direction of the association. 

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