World leaders have started sending congratulatory messages to Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on the 50th anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar that will be marked on April 26.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said messages were received from Pope Francis and leaders of Germany, France, Ireland, India, South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Algeria, Egypt, South Korea, South Sudan and Benin.

"I pray that you may continue to be guided in your efforts to promote the common good, in solidarity with all the people of Tanzania," said the Roman Pontiff.

German President Joachim Gauck praised President Kikwete for creating a climate of tolerance and the dialogue between religious communities.

"I would like to express my hope that our bilateral and regional relations will continue to flourish in the years to come and that we will work together to adopt economic, political and social development solutions for the mutual benefit of our two countries and for global prosperity," Malawian President Joyce Banda said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2014)