Tanzanian Association Oslo

Danish premier praises

govt, media on

BoT, Richmond

SAID AMEIR of Vice President´s Office
Copenhagen

Denmark has praised initial steps taken by the Tanzanian government in dealing with the Bank of Tanzania’s external payment arrears account (EPA) and the Richmond power generation scandals.

The remarks were made by Denmark’s Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen during talks with Vice-President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein, who paid a courtesy call on Rasmussen here in Copenhagen.

The Danish premier commended the contributions made by the Tanzanian parliament and media in addressing corruption in the country, noting that this reflected the increasing role of democratic institutions in the fight against social evils.

’’The role of democratic institutions like the parliament and the media in fighting such vices is a sign of the strengthening of democracy as a viable concept in Tanzania,’’ Rasmussen added.

He also congratulated President Jakaya Kikwete for accepting his appointment to the African Commission, which is sponsored by the Danish government.

’’We are happy with President Kikwete’s acceptance of our invitation and we look forward to his very fruitful contribution and that of Tanzania to the Commission’’, he stated.

Rasmussen said Denmark was so far satisfied with its relations with Tanzania, which he said it values.

’’We consider Tanzania to be a valuable partner in Africa, and we have been enjoying excellent relations,’’ he said, saluting the country for political and economic achievements so far made.

On conflicts in Africa, the Danish premier said his country would like to see regional blocs on the continent increasingly and effectively involved in the search for durable solutions.

On his part, VP Dr Shein reaffirmed the fourth phase government’s resolve to fight corruption as part of enhancing good governance and the rule of law.

’’The current measures taken by our government signify that president Kikwete is truly committed to the war against corruption,’’ he said, adding that no stone would be left
unturned.

Dr Shein told the Danish premier that the committees formed by the president to deal with the EPA scandal and by Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda to oversee implementation of parliamentary recommendations on the Richmond scandal were enough to ’’send a strong message that we are committed’’.

He also briefed Rasmussen on various current economic and political developments in Tanzania, asserting that the economy is on the right track despite some obstacles encountered right after the 2005 general elections.

He, however, said that those obstacles had since been removed.

On Tanzania’s participation in the Africa Commission, Dr Shein assured the Danish government through Rasmussen of the country’s total commitment.

He noted that Tanzania-Denmark bilateral relations and partnership date back to the early years of independence under the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

The vice-president also held bilateral talks with Danish foreign minister Dr Per Stig Moller. On both visits, he was accompanied by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mustafa Mkullo, and Tanzania’s ambassador to the Nordic States, Dr Ben Moses.

He later represented president Kikwete at the inauguration of the Africa Commission, and attended its first meeting.

Dr Shein and his delegation were scheduled to leave Copenhagen this morning for a two-day visit to London.