JOINT STATEMENT

At the invitation of H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the current Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Transitional Government of the Republic of Madagascar paid a two-day working visit to  Tanzania from 14^th to 15^th December 2012.

The invitation was in response to the conclusions of the SADC Extra-Ordinary Summit held on 8^th December 2012 in Dar es Salaam, which mandated the Organ Chairperson to brief and hold consultations with H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Transitional Government and H.E. Marc Ravalomanana, former President of Madagascar with regards to the political situation in Madagascar.

 It should be recalled that on 10^th December 2012, President Kikwete in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ met in Dar es Salaam with former President Marc Ravalomanana to discuss decisions of the SADC Summit.

 On 11^th December 2012, H.E. Ravalomanana and his host, President Kikwete held a joint Press Conference where he officially announced his decision not to contest in the forthcoming Presidential Elections.

 On 14^th December 2012, President Kikwete and H.E. Rajoelina held in-depth discussions on the conclusions of the Dar es Salaam SADC Summit. The talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and significant progress has been made. The two leaders agreed to have further consultations with relevant stakeholders prior to meeting again before the end of the month to conclude on the matter.

 President Rajoelina thanked his host President Kikwete for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. He further congratulated the SADC Summit for re-affirming the dates for the elections and for calling the respective parties to respect the same. He also expressed appreciation for SADC’s commitment to mobilize financial resources and logistical support from the International Community.

………………………………………..     …………………………………

Amb. Liberata Mulamula    Ms. Annick Rajoana

Senior Personal Assistant to the President     Spokesperson the Transitional

United Republic of Tanzania President of the Republic of Madagascar

Done at Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania

14^th December 2012.