President Edgar Lungu arrives in Tanzania

President Edgar Lungu is in Tanzania to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect John Magufuli.

 

President Lungu arrived at Julius Nyerere International airport in Dar-Es-Saalam on Thursday at 09:55 local time.

 

The President was received by Tanzania’s Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, Benard Membe together with the Zambian delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba.

 

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to Tanzania Judith Kapijimpanga says President Lungu’s Visit to Tanzania is critical to the country’s economic interests in Tanzania.

 

Mrs. Kapijimpanga said Zambia has economic interests in Tanzania because of the Tanzania-Zambia Railways -TAZARA-, Tanzania-Zambia oil pipeline-TAZAMA- and the Ministry of Finance Economic Development -MOFED.

 

She said the President is also fulfilling the reciprocal visit made by outgoing Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete who visited Zambia early this year.

 

President Lungu is expected to return to Zambia after the meetings.

 

And before departure for Tanzania, President Lungu said he is happy that Tanzania has continued to practice democracy.

 

President Lungu said he is confident that the new Tanzanian President will not fail with the support he has from the people.

 

And ZNBC’S Yotamu Mugala reports that Dr Magufuli has been sworn in as Tanzania’s fifth union President.

 

Tanzania Chief Justice Chande Othman swore in Dr Magufuli around 10:30 Hours local time amid jubilation from people in a fully parked Uhuru stadium.

 

And Samia Hassan has also been sworn in as Vice President of the Union of Tanzania.

 

Ms Hassan becomes the first female Vice President of Tanzania since its independence in 1961.

 

Meanwhile, President Magufuli in his maiden speech implored all Tanzanians to bury their political differences.

 

Dr Magufuli says there can only be one President at a time and that it is time to work for Tanzania’s development.

 

The Tanzanian leader is also hopeful that political tension in Zanzibar will be quickly resolved for the United Tanzania to forge ahead.

 

Dr Magufuli thanked all the Heads of State and government for attending his inauguration ceremony.

 

The new President pledged continued bilateral and trade relations and cooperation with other countries.

 

Dr Magufuli popularly known as bull Dozer because of his hard work and fight against corruption takes over from Jakaya Kikwete.

 

The election of Dr Magufuli as President extends the ruling Chama Chamapinduzi-CCM- Party’s grip on power to 54 years.

ZNBC