President arrives in Tanzania

Friday, 28 June 2013 04:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa commencing his five-day state visit to Tanzania and Seychelles arrived in Tanzania from the Julius Nyerere International Airport yesterday. Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete warmly welcomed President Rajapaksa at the airport. A little girl presented a bouquet of flowers to the President while native dancers performed on the sidelines of the welcoming ceremony. The President was also accorded a guard of honour and gun

salute. Not only is this President Rajapaksa’s first visit to both countries, but it is also the first visit to the two countries by a Sri Lankan President. President Rajapaksa will hold bilateral discussions with his Tanzanian counterpart and also attend the International Smart Partnership Dialogue in the city of Dar es Salaam. Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs Mervyn Silva, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Sajin De Vaas Gunawardene, Members Parliament Lohan Ratwatte and Lakshman Wasantha Perera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal accompanied the President.