ZANZIBAR, Jul 18 – President Mwai Kibaki and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete have appealed to the international community to assume its responsibility and assist the transitional government of Somalia protect itself from foreign inspired Islamic insurgent attacks.
The two Presidents in a joint communiqué issued at Zanzibar state house at the close of a two day official tour by President Kibaki to Tanzania said the breakdown of law and order in Somalia was of grave concern to the neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean sea trade.
The two heads of state in recognizant of regional peace also exchanged views on the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo and Southern Sudan and resolved to work together in finding a lasting solution to the problems inflicting the two countries.
On the situation in DRC, the presidents expressed satisfaction on the positive developments so far reached.
Other areas of mutual interest discussed by the two Presidents included the historical relations between the two sister states and the existing joint permanent commission of cooperation (JPC) that provides a useful vehicle to promote cooperation between the two countries.
"The two Presidents underscored the need to enhance the existing cooperation in all areas that would benefit the people of the two countries particularly promotion of cooperation in the sectors of energy, security, trade, tourism, transport and agriculture for the benefit of peoples in the two countries," the communiqué said.
The leaders also affirmed their commitment to the East African Integration process in acknowledgement of the importance of a regional market.
The two-day visit gave President Kibaki an opportunity to enhance and strengthen the brotherly and historical bilateral relations between the Governments and people of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Kenya, especially in light with the ongoing negotiations to forge a political federation of the five East African cooperation member states.
In Zanzibar, President Kibaki and President and chairman of the revolutionary council of Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume expressed satisfaction with the cordial working relationship between the two governments and resolved to jointly fight contraband trade.
On insecurity in the Indian Ocean, the two Presidents were concerned by increased costs of trade and insurance cover occasioned by piracy and said everything possible needs to be done to secure the high seas for smooth movement of marine vessels.
President Kibaki paid glowing tribute to President Kikwete for the support he extended to the people of Kenya in search of a peaceful solution to the challenges surrounding the 2007 general elections.
The President was accompanied in the tour by seven cabinet ministers and five members of parliament among other senior government officials.
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