JAMAICA-TANZANIA AGREE TO BILATERAL COMMISSION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 26, 2009

JAMAICA-TANZANIA AGREE TO BILATERAL COMMISSION

Prime Minister Bruce Golding today (November 26) signed a bilateral agreement that seeks to establish a Bi-national Commission to develop and monitor the implementation of an agreed programme for bilateral cooperation between Jamaica and the United Republic of Tanzania. The signing was at Jamaica House.

Prime Minster Golding expressed his appreciation for the visit and said "Be assured of the continued goodwill support and solidarity of the people of Jamaica for the aspirations of the people of Tanzania."

In his comments, the President Jakaya Mrishp Kikwete of Tanzania said, "I have fulfilled the objectives of my visit. I came here to build bridges, I came here to consolidate a friendship and the visit here has been successful in that regard. I also came here to learn and there is so much that I have learned and there is so much that our people will come her to learn. This is the beginning of seeing more and more Tanzanians to come."

In the joint communiqué, the two leaders emphasized areas of agreement on a range of issues from agriculture, health, the economy and sports and culture. Mr Golding and Mr Kikwete reaffirmed their strong commitment to enhance cooperation through the promotion and implementation of specific programmes in the fields of agriculture, tourism, education, health, sports and culture. Both leaders agreed on the importance of exchange of experts, information and research in these fields. They agreed that multilateralism and South-South cooperation formed the basis of their cooperation at both bilateral and multi-lateral levels.

Prime Minister Golding and President Kikwete exchanged views on the significant contribution which their respective Diaspora can make to development, and agreed to share information and experience.

They used the opportunity to discuss the effect of the global economic crisis, the challenges faced by Highly Indebted Middle Income Countries, reform of the International Financial Institutions, the Millennium Development Goals, food security and also youth unemployment.

Both leaders recognised that HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the most serious problems of their public health systems and agreed to intensify efforts to combat and reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and promote activities to prevent discrimination against people living with the virus. In addition, they agreed to support the call for increased resources from multilateral organisations, UN agencies and the private sector to address

public health concerns in their development activities and programmes.

The leaders reiterated their concerns over the threats posed by climate change to the sustainable development of their countries and stressed the importance of an ambitious, fair and meaningful outcome based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

Both leaders stressed the urgent need for improved cooperation between African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Governments and peoples for the realisation of sustainable development, the eradication of poverty and the gradual and smooth integration of the ACP states into the global economy.

The signing of the joint communiqué was the final activity in a busy four-day State visit that included visits to the Bodles agricultural research station, tourism attractions in Ocho Rios and Kingston, cultural events and bilateral talks. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete was last night conferred with the Order of Excellence by the Governor General, a title reserved for heads of state.

Mr Golding and Mr Kikwete will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Port of Spain Trinidad starting tomorrow, November 27.