Benjamin Mkapa arrives in Zimbabwe

Former Tanzanian president Mr Benjamin Mkapa arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a week-long visit, where he is also expected to meet with President Mugabe.

Mr Mkapa was met at the Harare International Airport by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and the Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeramayi.

Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Mr Joey Bimha said Mr Mkapa had programmes lined up before he travels back to his country.

"I can confirm that Mr Benjamin Mkapa is in the country after landing at 1am and he has many engagements before he travels back," he said.

Mr Mkapa was the third president of Tanzania from 1995 to 2005. Today Mr Mkapa is expected to tour Alpha Omega Dairy and Amai Mugabe School and Children's Home while tomorrow, he is expected to meet with President Mugabe.

On Thursday, he will officiate at the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) renaming ceremony of a block which will be named Julius K. Nyerere House.

Mr Mkapa is on Friday expected to deliver a lecture at the Zimbabwe Defence College and in the afternoon he will tour some places in Manicaland.