In a two-day high level tour between 15-17 April 2013, The Netherlands hosted Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete who was welcomed by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and further had an audience with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
The President was accompanied by four government ministers of various sectors including Bernard Membe for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof Sospeter Muhongo; Energy and Minerals, Dr Abdallah Kigoda; Industries and Trade and Zanzibar Minister for Water, Lands, Energy and Human Settlement Development Mr Ramadhan Shaaban.
President Kikwete had private talks with the Dutch Minister as well as met with Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands who acted in her capacity as Special Advocate in the Field of Inclusive Finance for Development on behalf of the United Nations
Talks held between the officials covered wide subject matters of bilateral and economic interests between the two nations.
The President’s itinerary also included meetings with representatives of the Holland Business Community and management of Rijk Zwaan Netherlands Limited, a tour of Rotterdam Port, a visit with oil and gas giant Shell and lastly he met with the Tanzanian community in The Netherlands.
Development and Cooperation between Tanzania and The Netherlands are well-established and the official visit is another step toward mutually beneficial ties that connect the European country to Tanzania and East Africa.
