Arusha — US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Mr. Jacob Lew had a three-day visit to Dar es Salaam and Arusha from June 30-July 2.. Upon his arrival to, Mr. Lew had the opportunity to discuss bilateral partnership with President Jakaya Kikwete, Vice President Shein, and Finance Minister Mkulo.

Mr. Lew told members of the media, "I am here in Tanzania on behalf of President Obama and Secretary Clinton because Tanzania is a key ally in the region and an important development partner. I am here to listen and underscore our commitment to work with the people and government of Tanzania to provide a more productive and sustainable assistance program that meets the fundamental needs of the Tanzanian people."

According to a statement from the US Embassy, the particular focus of Mr. Lew's visit was on two foreign assistance initiatives central to both the Obama Administration and Tanzania - global health and hunger. In the global health arena, the United States seeks to build on the successes of our HIV/AIDs program to build durable and sustainable health systems, and to concentrate efforts on maternal and child health and diseases that are easily preventable with only a modest investment.

Mr. Lew indicated that through the Obama Administration's efforts to eradicate global hunger, the United States seeks long-term and sustainable agricultural sector growth that boosts farm productivity, increases the availability of food by linking farmers to markets, and raises incomes so more people can afford food.

In addition to meeting with Tanzania's leadership, Mr. Lew participated in discussions with the Millennium Challenge Account-Tanzania (MCA-T) board to review progress to date. He also met with other international donors, members of the business community, Non-Governmental Organizations and civil society members that fight corruption.

In Arusha, Mr. Lew will met the Regional Commissioner, and visited medical facilities that provide services to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria. He also traveled to an agricultural development project funded by the American people to learn about increasing access to export markets for Tanzania's fast-growing horticultural industry.

Mr. Lew said, "Tanzania is working in a positive direction on poverty reduction, but it faces some difficult challenges. The United States is committed to continue working closely with the people and government of Tanzania to find new ways and new mechanisms to gain more productive results."