Dar es Salaam, 1 July 2016
Naomba nianze kwa kumshukuru ndugu yangu, Rais Magufuli, kwa kunikaribisha kuitembelea Tanzania.
It is a great honour to be back in Dar es Salaam. I want to thank you, the Government and the people of Tanzania, for the warm hospitality and friendship, you have extended to us, on this State visit.
We truly appreciate the spirit of goodwill that defines the relationship between Rwanda and Tanzania.
Beyond our geographical proximity, our countries share a common history, and the values of hard work, respect, and cooperation. We both seek stability, prosperity, and dignity for our nations and our continent.
Tanzania is an important gateway to the world, through the Port of Dar es Salaam, and we also trade among ourselves. Rwanda values this mutually beneficial relationship, and we wish to do even more business in the years to come.
This commitment extends to our membership in the East African Community.
Being neighbours may have been a stroke of luck. But the deliberate partnerships we are building with EAC member states, provide new opportunities for our people, and enhance the stability of our region.
Mr President, both Rwandans and Tanzanians view diversity a source of strength. We know that our countries will thrive and prosper, not in spite of differences, but because of them.
This is not surprising, given the historical ties, and the affinity between our parties, the Rwandan Patriotic Front and Chama Cha Mapindunzi.
On a personal note, I want to convey my appreciation for all you have done, in these past seven months to re-energise our bilateral relationship, and renew a sense of dynamism in the region, and beyond.
Allow me now to propose a toast: To the good health of the President and the First Lady, and to the prosperity of the United Republic of Tanzania. May the friendship between Rwanda and Tanzania continue to flourish, in the years to come.
Asanteni sana.