Balozi Seif Ali Iddi azungumza na Uongozi wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA }

 Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi akizungumza na Uongozi wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA } ukiongozwa na Mkurugenzi Mkuu wake Dr. Ally Yahya Simba wa Pili kutoka Kushoto.

Wa kwanza kushoto ni Meneja wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania Kanda ya Zanzibar Bwana Othman Sharif.

 Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA } Dr. Ally Yahya Simba wa Pili kutoka Kushoto akifafanua jambo wakati timu yake ilipofanya mazungumzo na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ofisini kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar.
Picha na – OMPR – ZNZ.

 Press Release:-

Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA } imejipanga kuliwezesha Kitaaluma Jeshi la Polisi Nchini katika azma yake ya kukabiliana na wimbi jipya la matumizi mabaya ya mitandao ya mawasiliano linaloonekana kushika kasi katika maeneo mbali mbali Duniani.

Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania Dr. Ally Yahya Simba alieleza hayo wakati akizungumza na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi Ofisini kwake Mtaa wa Vuga Mjini Zanzibar.

Dr. Ally Yahya Simba akiuongoza Ujumbe wa Viongozi Watatu wa Taasisi hiyo na kujitambulisha rasmi baada ya kuteuliwa kushika wadhifa huo Tarehe 6 Julai mwaka huu alisema Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano kwa mujibu wa sheria ina jukumu la kufuatilia makosa ambayo tayari yameshafanywa kwenye Mitandao.

Alisema Jeshi la Polisi ndilo lenye haki ya kufungua kesi kwa wahusika wa makosa ya Mitandao jambo ambalo askari wa Jeshi hilo wanapaswa kuwa na elimu ya kutosha itakayowapa uwezo mkubwa wa kukabiliana na wahusika wa makosa hayo.

Alifahamisha kwamba zipo Kesi Nne zinazohusu matumizi mabaya ya Mitandao hiyo ambazo zinatarajiwa kutolewa maamuzi yake hivi karibuni na vyombo vinavyohusika kufuatia kupitishwa kwa sheria ya matumizi ya mitandao ya Mawasiliano Nchini kulikofanywa na Bunge ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania.

Mkurugenzi Mkuu huyo wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA } Dr. Ally Yahya Simba aliishukuru Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kwa uamuzi wake wa kuipatia Mamlaka hiyo eneo la Kiwanja kwa ajili ya kujenga Ofisi yake hapa Zanzibar.

Dr. Ali alisema hatua hiyo ya Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imeipa nguvu Mamlaka hiyo kufanya kazi zake kwa ufanisi zaidi katika Visiwa vya Zanzibar vikiwa ni miongoni mwa Kanda Tano zinazojumuisha na kuunda Mamlaka hiyo Nchini Tanzania.

Mapema Meneja wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA }Kanda ya Zanzibar Bwana Othman Sharif alisema yapo mafanikio makubwa ya zaidi ya asilimia 99% tokea kuanzishwa kwa mradi mpya wa Mawasiliano { post cort } katika Visiwa vya Unguja na Pemba.

Bwana Othman alisema mradi huo umetekelezwa katika shehia Nne Hapa Zanzibar akizitaja kuwa ni Selemu na Dimbani kwa Kisiwa cha Pemba pamoja na Mombasa na Chukwani kwa Kisiwa cha Unguja.

Meneja huyo wa Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania Kanda ya Zanzibar aliishukuru Wizara ya Miundombinu na Mawasiliano Zanzibar pamoja na Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar kwa mashirikiano makubwa ilizotoa katika kufanikisha mradi huo muhimu kwa ustawi wa Jamii Nchini.

Akitoa shukrani zake Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar bado inaendelea kuzihimiza Taasisi za Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kuendelea kufungua Ofisi zao Zanzibar.

Balozi Seif alisema hatua hiyo ya ufunguzi wa Ofisi pamoja na huduma za Taasisi hizo italenga katika ile azma ya Waasisi wa Taifa hili ya kutaka kuimarisha Muungano wa Mwezi Aprili mwaka 1964 uliofanywa na pande hizo mbili za Muungano wa Tanzania.

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliipongeza Mamlaka ya Mawasiliano Tanzania { TCRA } kwa jitihada zake za kuanzisha mradi mpya wa mawasiliano { Post cort }utakaosaidia kwa kiasi kikubwa ulinzi wa Maeneo pamoja na mazingira.

Hata hivyo Balozi Seif alifahamisha kwamba zipo changamoto za baadhi ya Mitaa pamoja na Majina yake kujengwa au kuanzishwa bila ya utaratibu wa kuzingatia Mipango miji pamoja na Halmashauri za Wilaya.


Othman Khamis Ame
Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar
30/9/2015.

Waangalizi wa Kimataifa wa Uchaguzi wakutana na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi

Mkuu wa Timu ya Waangalizi wa Uchaguzi wa Umoja wa Ulaya{ EU } Bibi Zudith Sargentini kati kati aliyenyanyua mikono akitaka ufafanuzi wa jinsi Zanzibar ilivyojiandaa na kujipanga na Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Mwezi Oktoba mwaka huu wa 2015 kutoka kwa Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi.

Balozi Seif alikutana na Ujumbe huo wa Timu ya Waangalizi wa Umoja wa Ulaya ulioongozwa na Balozi wa Umoja huo Nchni Tanzania Balozi Filiberto Sebregondi hapo Ofisini kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar.
Picha na – OMPR – ZNZ.

 Press Release:-

Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imezihakikishia Timu za Waangalizi wa Kimataifa za Uchaguzi zilizoomba kushuhudia Uchaguzi wa Mwezi Oktoba mwaka huu kwamba uchaguzi Mkuu wa Zanzibar na ule wa Tanzania utafanyika katika hali ya Amani na utulivu.

Kauli hiyo imetolewa na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi wakati akizungumza na Ujumbe wa Waangalizi wa Uchaguzi wa Umoja wa Ulaya { EU } aliokutana nao hapo Ofisi ni kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar ambao tayari upo nchini kwa kazi hiyo takriban mwezi mmoja sasa.

Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema Serikali imejizatiti na kujipanga vyema katika mazingira ya kuona hali ya Nchi inaendelea kuwa ya Amani muda wote, kwa hivi sasa, wakati wa uchaguzi na baada ya kukamilika kwa zoezi zima la uchaguzi.

Alisema taratibu za kutatua Changamoto pamoja na matatizo yanayojitokeza katika kipindi hichi cha harakati za Kampeni zimekuwa zikichukuliwa chini ya usimamizi wa Tume ya Uchaguzi wa Zanzibar { ZEC } katika Vikao mbali mbali kwa kuwahusisha wadau wote wa uchaguzi.

Balozi Seif aliueleza Ujumbe huo wa Waangalizi wa Uchaguzi wa Umoja wa Ulaya unaoongozwa na Balozi wa Umoja wa huo Nchini Tanzania Balozi Filiberto Sebregondi kwamba Kampeni za uchaguzi zimekuwa zikiendelea vyema kwa wagombea wa nafasi mbali mbali za Uongozi kutoka vyama vya Siasa wakinadi sera zao.

Hata hivyo Balozi Seif alisema zipo kasoro zinazojitokeza katika baadhi ya maeneo wakati huu wa kampeni ambazo baadhi ya watu huonyesha ishara za kutaka kuwazuru wafuasi wa Vyama vya siasa wakati wanaporejea kutoka kwenye Mikutano yao ya hadhara ya Kampeni.

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alitahadharisha kwamba tabia hiyo mbaya inafaa kuachwa mara moja kwa vile inaweza kuamsha hamasa zinazoweza kusababisha vurugu na hatimae kuvunjika kwa hali ya amani ya Nchi.

Aliuhakikishia ujumbe huo wa Waangilizi wa Kimataifa wa Uchaguzi kwamba Serikali kupitia vyombo vyake vya Dola imekuwa ikisisitiza umuhimu wa Wanachama na Viongozi wa vyama vya Siasa kufuata Kanuni na Taratibu zilizowekwa na Tume za Uchaguzi za Zanzibar na ile ya Tanzania ili kuona uchaguzi Mkuu unafanyika na kumalizika katika njia ya amani na usalama.

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliupongeza Umoja wa Ulaya kwa uamuzi wake wa kuleta Waangalizi wa Uchaguzi kwenye chaguzi mbali mbali za Tanzania katika vipindi tofauti.

Mapema Mkuu wa Timu ya Waangalizi wa Uchaguzi wa Umoja wa Ulaya { EU } Bibi Zudith Sargentini alisema Timu yake itajigawa katika makundi mawili yatakayojipanga kuangalia uchaguzi Mkuu kwa pande zote mbili za Unguja na Pemba.

Bibi Zudith alisema Timu hizo pia zitapanga utaratibu wa kukutana na wadau wa Uchaguzi wakiwemo Viongozi wa juu wa Serikali katika kuona mazingira ya kampeni, uchaguzi na hata matokeo ya kura yanakuwa katika hali ya amani na upendo miongoni mwa wadau wote.


Othman Khamis Ame
Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar
29/9/2015.

Mwili wa Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma Celine Ompesh Kombani waagwa rasmi kwa Heshima zote za Kiserikali.

 Viongozi Wakuu wa Serikali za Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar wakiongoza Umma wa Watanzania katika kutoa heshima ya mwisho kwa Mwili wa Marehemu Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma Marehemu Celina Ompeshi Kombani Karimjee Jijini Dar es salaam.

Wa kwanza kutoka kushoto kuelekea kulia ni Makamu wa Rais wa SMT Dr. Moh’d Gharib Bilal, Mke wa Rais wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mama Salma Kikwete, Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi na Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi wa SMT Balozi Ombeni Sefue.

 Familia ya Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma Marehemu Celina Ompeshi Kombani wakiwa katika majonzi makubwa wakati wa kuuaga rasmi Mwili wa Mpendwa wao Karimjee Jijini Dar es salaam.

 Jeneza la Marehemu Waziri Celine Kombani likiwekwa juu ya jukwaa tayari kutoa nafasi kwa Viongozi wa Kiserikali, Vyama vya Siasa, Taasisi za Kijamii na wana familia kuuaga rasmi katika viwanja vya Karimjee Mjini Dar es salaam.

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi akiwasilisha salamu za Pole za Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar wakati wa kuuaga Mwili wa Marehemu Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma Marehemu Celina Ompeshi Kombani Karimjee Jijini Dar es salaam.

Picha na –OMPR –ZNZ.

 Press Release:-

Mwili wa Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejimenti ya Utumishi wa Umma Celine Ompesh Kombani aliyefariki Dunia Alhamisi iliyopita katika Hospitali ya Andra Prash Apolo ya Nchini India umeagwa rasmi kwa Heshima zote za Kiserikali.

Marehemu Waziri Celine Ompesh Kombani alianza kuumwa Tarehe 26 Agosti mwaka huu ambapo Tarehe Mosi Septemba alipelekwa Nchini India kwa matibabu zaidi na kugundulika kuwa na maradhi ya Saratani ya Kongosho iliyoathjiri ini lake.

Heshima ya kuuaga rasmi Kiserikali Mwili wa Marehemu Celine ulioletwa kutoka Nchini India Juzi Mchana na kupokelewa na Viongozi mbali mbali wa Serikali, Vyama vya Siasa, marafiki na wana familia zilifanyika katika viwanja vya Karimejee Jijini Dar es Salaam.

Makamu wa Rais wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Dr. Moh’d Gharib Bilal aliuongoza Umma wa Watanzania katika kuuaga mwili wa Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani ambao baadaye utapelekwa shambani kwake Lukole Jimboni Ulanga Mkoani Morogoro kwa Mazishi.

Kwa Upande wa Zanzibar maombolezo hayo yaliongozwa na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi aliyeambatana pia na baadhi ya Mawaziri wa Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar, Wabunge, Wawakilishi pamoja na Wanasiasa.

Mh. Celina Ompesh Kombani alizaliwa Tarehe 19 Juni Mwaka 1959 katika Kijiji cha Kisewe Wilaya ya Ulanga Mkoani Morogoro akiwa Mtoto wa Pili miongoni mwa Watoto 16 wa Mzee Ompesh Kombani.

Alianza kupata elimu yake ya Msingi kuanzia mwaka 1968 hadi mwaka 1974 katika Skuli ya Kwiro Mahenge na baadaye kuendelea na elimu ya Sekondari kuanzia mwaka 1975 hadi 1978 kwenye skuli ya Sekondari ya Kilakala Mkoani Morogoro.

Marehhemu Celine Ompesh Kombani aliendelea na masomo ya Kidato cha Tano hadi cha sita katika Shule ya Sekondari ya wasichana Tabora akiunganisha na Elimu ya juu katika chuo cha Uongozi wa fedha cha IDM Mzumbe na kupata Stashahada ya Uongozi na Utawala na baadaye Shahada ya Juu ya Uzamili katika Chuo hicho cha Uongozi wa Fedha IDM Mzumbe.

Mwaka 1985 Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani aliajiriwa katika Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Kilosa Mkoani Morogoro akiwa Afisa Utumishi nafasi iliyomuwezesha kupanda Madaraka na kuteuliwa kuwa Meneja wa Rasilimali Watu katika Kiwanda kilichopo Morogoro.

Katika uhai wake Marehemu Celine aliwahi kuwa Afisa Utawala wa Chuo cha Kilimo Morogoro, Kiongozi wa Halaiki ya Vijana wa Chipukizi wa Chama cha TANU, Mwenyekiti wa Tawi la CCM Kilosa pamoja na Mwenyekiti wa UWT Mkoa wa Morogoro.

Katika nyanja ya Kisiasa Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani alikuwa Mbunge wa Jimbo la Ulanga kwa vipindi viwili mfululizo kuanzia mwaka 2005 hadi 2015 nafasi iliyomuwezesha kuteuliwa kushika nyadhifa mbali mbali za juu za Uongozi Serikalini.

Marehemu Celine aliwahi kuwa Naibu Waziri Tawala za Mikoa na Serikali za Mitaa Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu, Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu, Waziri wa Katiba na Sheria pamoja na Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Rais Menejiment ya Utumishi wa Umma nafasi aliyodumu nayo hadi kufariki kwake.

Wakitoa salamu za maombolezo ya Makundi mbali mbali, Wawakilishi wa Makundi hayo ikiwemo Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar, Bunge la Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Taasisi za Kijamii walimuelezea Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani kuwa alikuwa Mtu wa Watu.

Walisema Marehemu Celine alikuwa Kiongozi mahiri aliyekubali na kuridhia kuwa karibu na Taasisi na Watu wa makundi ya aina yote bila ya kujali itikadi, jinsia au Dini ya mtu.

Mapema akiongoza sala maalum ya kumuombea safari njema Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani Mchungaji Wilfred Mmary alisema Muungu muweza na asili ya kila kitu amekausha pumzi ya Mpendwa Celine akifanya hivyo bila kosa bali ni kutekeleza utukufu wake kwa viumbe vilivyo chini ya himaya yake.

Mbele ninaendelea nnazidi kutembea. Maombi uyasikie. Bwana umpambe. Ebwana uniinue ili nipande milima yote. Ni shairi alilolikariri mchungaji Wilfred ambalo alisema lilikuwa likiimbwa na kumjumuisha Pia Marehemu Celine wakati wa Ibada zao za misa.

Tume ya Taifa ya Uchaguzi Tanzania { NEC } kupitia Mkurugenzi wake Bwana Kailina Ramadhan imeahirisha uchaguzi wa Jimbo la Ulanga Mkoani Morogoro kufuatia Kifo cha Waziri Celine Ompesh Kombani aliyekuwa miongoni mwa wagombea nafasi ya Ubunge wa Jimbo la Ulanga kupitia chama Tawala Cha CCM.

Marehemu Waziri Celina Ompesh Kombani ameacha Mume, Watoto Watano pamoja na Wajukuu Wanne. Muungu iweke roho ya Marehemu Celine Ompesh Kombani mahali anapostahiki kwa mujibu wa amali yake. Amin.

Othman Khamis Ame

Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar

28/9/2015.

Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Arusha ,afariji familia zilizopoteza mali kwa kuunguliwa na moto leo.

Ndg Philemon Mollel na mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha, ametembelea familia tatu zilizopoteza mali zao kwa kuunguliwa na moto ,usiku wa kuamkia leo majira ya saa 7.00 usiku, mtaa wa Suye, Kata ya Olorieni ya Jijini Arusha.

• Familia 2 ,mojawapo ya  Bi Daishi Wilson Urio na mwingine ambaye hatukuweza kupata jina lake wamepoteza mali zao zote ,kwani hawakuweza kuokoa chochote. 

• Familia ya Bi Nana Lotuno - mfanyakazi wa School of International Training ya Jijini Arusha ,ilifanikiwa kuokoa baadhi ya vitu na baadhi kuteketea kabisa.

• Familia zote sasa hivi zinaishi kwa majirani ,kutokana na moto huo kuathiri sehemu kubwa ya paa la nyumba.

Ndg Philemon Mollel mara  baada ya kutembelea eneo la tukio, ametoa msaada wa 
Bati 50,

• Unga wa ngano na mahindi katoni tano kila moja,

• Mafuta ya kupikia lt 20 

• Fedha taslimu Tz  sh 200,000/= kwa ajili ya kujikimu vitu vya msingi.

• Msaada huo aliukabidhi kwa Mwenyekiti wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Suye Ndg Zakaria Muro.

SHUKURANI:

Ndg Zakaria Muro Mwenyekiti wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Suye ,amemshukuru Ndg Philemon Mollel

 ( Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha) pamoja na msafara wa Viongozi wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi Wilayani hapo waliokuwa wameambatana na mgombea huyo akiwemo Mwenyekiti wa CCM Wilaya ,Ndg Wilfred Soilel , Katibu wa Siasa na Uenezi CCM (W), Ndg Jasper Kishumbua,Mwenyekiti wa UVCCM Wilaya,Ndg Martin Munis  na Katibu wa CCM Kata ya Olorien Ndg Jonas Daudi  akiwa amefuatana na Mgombea Udiwani Kata hiyo Ndg Mosses Koye, kwa niaba ya wananchi wa Mtaa wa Suye. Aidha amewataka viongozi wengine na Taasisi nyingine  kujitokeza,kusaidia familia hizo kwa kupitia kamati ndogo ya Maafa,iliyoundwa leo katika Ofisi ya Mwenyekiti wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Suye na kusema kuwa "Hiyo ndiyo Ibada ya kweli kwa msaada walioutoa"

 Mbunge mteule wa CCM Jimbo la Arusha Ndg Philemon Mollel akikagua sehemu ya nyumba iliyoathiriwa na moto , leo asubuhi.

 

 Sehemu ya nyumba iliyoathiriwa na moto.

 

 Mbunge mteule wa CCM Jimbo la Arusha Ndg Philemon Mollel akikagua sehemu ya nyumba iliyoathiriwa na moto , leo asubuhi.

 

 Sehemu ya nyumba iliyoathiriwa na moto.

 Katikati ni Ndg Zakaria Muro ,Mwenyekiti wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Suye akishukuru kwa msaada uliotolewa na   Ndg Philemon Mollel ( Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha) (aliyevaa koti) na aliyevaa kofia ni Katibu wa CCM Kata ya Olorien Ndg Jonas Daudi ,katika eneo la ajali.

 Mmiliki wa nyumba hizo Ndg joseph Mmasy akiwa katika eneo la tukio, leo.

 Ndg Philemon Mollel ( Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha) akimfariji  Bi Daishi Wilson Urio, aliyepoteza mali zake zote katika janga hilo la moto.

Ndg Zakaria Muro ,Mwenyekiti wa Serekali ya Mtaa wa Suye akitoa neno la shukrani mara baada ya kupokea  msaada uliotolewa na Ndg Philemon Mollel ( Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha).

 

 Ndg Philemon Mollel ( Mgombea Ubunge wa CCM Wilaya ya Arusha) akimfariji Bi Nana Lotuno  Urio, aliyepoteza mali zake zote katika janga hilo la moto.

Picha zote na Katibu wa Siasa na Uenezi CCM Wilaya ya Arusha - Ndg Jasper Kishumbua.

Stunning Michelle Obama and pregnant Priscilla Chan steal the show

Having a ball! Stunning Michelle Obama and pregnant Priscilla Chan steal the show - as the titans of Silicon Valley and Hollywood gather for spectacular state dinner in honor of Chinese leader

• President Obama threw a glitzy state dinner for Chinese president Xi Jinping at the White House

•  Black-tie affair was attended Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg and Apple CEO Tim Cook who sat at the top table

•  Michelle Obama dazzled in black off-the-shoulder mermaid gown made by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang

•  She was also on hand to straighten Barack's bow tie just before Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan arrived on Friday night

•  Guests dined on wild mushroom soup, Maine lobster, Colorado lamb and poppyseed bread-and-butter pudding

•  The extravagant dinner was followed by a special performance from R&B singer Ne-Yo

By Ollie Gillman and Nikki Schwab, U.s. Political Reporter At The White House For Dailymail.com

A dazzling Michelle Obama and pregnant Priscilla Chan stole the show as President Obama threw a spectacular state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday night

A powerhouse line-up of diplomacy, big business and Hollywood made Obama's guest list for the extravagant feast at the White House to honor the visit of president Xi.

The black-tie affair was not only attended by top-level politicians from both countries - with the likes of Facebook and Apple bosses Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook joining the two presidents at the top table for the glitzy event.

While most of the 200 guests are used to dressing up for glamorous get-togethers, it was Obama himself who needed a hand - with wife Michelle helping to straighten his bow tie just before their VIP guests arrived.

 A powerhouse line-up of diplomacy, big business and even Hollywood made President Obama's guest list for tonight's state dinner to honor the visit of Chinese president Xi Jinping (Presidents pictured with respective wives Michelle and Peng Liyuan)

 

 Event invite: Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg and his pregnant wife, Priscilla Chan, were among the first to arrive at the glitzy dinner

 

 Even Presidents need help: Obama had a hand preparing himself to greet guests, with wife Michelle helping to straighten his bow tie

 President Barack Obama and Chinese president Xi Jinping shared a toast during the State Dinner in the East Room of the White House

 Cheers! The two presidents do not necessarily agree when it comes to foreign policy but they appeared to be getting along well

Mr Zuckerberg was one of the first to arrive, walking hand-in-hand with his pregnant wife Priscilla, who beamed as she entered the White House lobby in a scoop-back red lace floor-length number.

Others spotted in attendance included former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger, 92, and 78-year-old Madeleine Albright. Philanthropist David Rubenstein was also there, as was ballerina Misty Copeland, who giggled and said, 'I have no idea,' when reporters asked who she was wearing.

Meanwhile Michelle Obama - who wore a $2,300 dress to meet the Pope this week - diplomatically opted for a black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown created by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang.

Fitted, with sheer sleeves, it skimmed the floor with its tulle flounce as Mrs Obama swept her long hair off to one side.

Her Chinese counterpart Peng Liyuan, a fashion icon in her homeland, selected an embellished silk gown in a rich aquamarine hue. With three-quarter-length sleeves, it boasted intricate beading.

Of the frontline politicians arriving for the dinner, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao was caught out when asked what she was wearing, replying: 'Oh my gosh. It's something very inexpensive.'

The attendees were more likely to be enjoying the fine food and entertainment on offer than talking serious government policy tonight.

  Singing and dancing: R&B artist Ne-Yo  will perform after dinner

Ballet dancer Misty Copeland (arriving with Olubayo Evans, right) was no doubt looking forward to an evening off of her feet

DreamWorks CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg   went for traditional black suits with bow ties

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger (right, with his wife Nancy) both went for traditional black suits with bow ties

 Empire creator Lee Daniels arrived at the extravagant dinner with his mother Clara.

 White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest attended with his wife Natalie

 Apple CEO Tim Cook and Lisa Jackson  were also on time for the dinner.

 David Rubenstein and his wife Alice were also on time for the dinner.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power looked to be in good spirits as she rocked up with her husband Cass Sunstein

Guest chef Anita Lo, owner of Annisa in New York and a past 'Top Chef' competitor, is a first-generation Chinese-American from Birmingham, Michigan.

The culinary team was cooking up a menu that highlights 'American cuisine with nuances of Chinese flavor,' according to the White House. Guests supped on wild mushroom soup, poached Maine lobster, grilled cannon of Colorado lamb and poppyseed bread and butter pudding.

The decor for the expansive East Room spread included a 16-foot silk scroll depicting two roses that the White House says were meant to symbolize 'a complete meeting of the minds.'

R&B singer Ne-Yo - who says his father is part-Chinese - performed a special set for guests at the dinner.
'It's going to be good,' he grinned, showing off his date. 'This is my lovely mother,' he added.

She was ecstatic. 'He's my only son,' she said. 'I'm the most proud mama.'

Dreamworks CEO and Democratic Party mega donor Jeffry Katzenberg said he was at the White House for 'fun' and not business, but the guest list – and especially the head table – read like a who's who of Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

Zucerkberg and Cook would be seated up close and personal to the two world leaders, along with Disney's Iger.

Once inside, guests were treated to a toast by the two presidents before dinner.

'During our visit to China, Michelle and I experience the traditions, the culture, the cuisine and the civilization that spans thousands of years,' President Obama began. 'I understand that in China there's a saying "Food is heaven," I dare not stand in the way of the divine so I'll be brief.'

Obama talked of his conversations today with President XI and how they planned to 'expand the cooperation' between the two nations.

'I know that some in both countries and around the world question whether we can sustain the cooperation that we need and the world needs,' Obama said, before telling a story of American airmen sheltered by Chinese villagers during World War II.

'And decades later, one Chinese man said of the American man he saved: "He's like the thumb on the hand and I'm like the finger. We are brothers together,"' Obama said. 'I think of the ties that are forged every single today and that we've worked to expand in our work today.'

 President Obama gave a cheeky grin as he clinked glasses with Xi's wife Peng Liyuan after giving a short toast

 Speech: President Obama rose to speak during the dinner in the East Room of the White House earlier this evening

 President Xi, who has already visited Seattle on his tour of the US, also gave a few words, thanking Obama for putting on the dinner

 Ne-Yo - who claims his father is part-Chinese - performed for the guests in the White House Dining Room after they had finished dinner

 

 Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his pregnant wife Priscilla Chan were seen leaving together after the dinner on Friday evening

The president noted how Americans are flocking to see Chinese sights - like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall - while Chinese visitors take in the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall.

'There will be time where there are differences between our two countries. That's inevitable. There will be times where our interested entirely overlap, but what I think will be sustained is friendship between our peoples, the foundation of the ties between our nations. Just as you say in China, that a sea accepts a hundred rivers, our countries together our stronger when we accept the diversity of the views and the contributions and uphold the rights of all our people,' Obama said.

'So I propose a toast: To the people of China and the people of the United States, may they work together like fingers on the same hand in friendship and in peace.'

President Xi stood up and called his state visit to the United States an 'unforgettable journey'.

'From the west coast to the east coast, what strikes me most is that the American people have a lot of goodwill towards the Chinese people,' Xi said. 'I want to assure you that such goodwill is fully reciprocated by the Chinese people.'

Xi talked about the three meetings he had with President Obama since his arrival and the candid conversations they shared, but then he turned to something more lighthearted: a trip to the zoo this morning with his wife and first lady Michelle Obama, where they named a panda.

Xi said his wife was 'deeply touched' by the interest American students have with pandas and with China.

'As an ancient Chinese saying goes "Only those who take actions can achieve their goals. Only those who stride forward can reach their destination." President Abraham Lincoln once said "the best way to predict the future is to create it,"' Xi said.

'And let's continue to respect and learn from each other, turn our blueprint into reality,' Xi said toasting to a 'new historic chapter in U.S.-China relations.'

 The Obamas and Xis were joined at the state dinner by a powerhouse line-up of diplomacy, big business and even Hollywood

 The world leaders dined on wild mushroom soup, poached Maine lobster, grilled cannon of Colorado lamb and poppyseed bread and butter pudding

 The attendees were more likely to be enjoying the fine food and entertainment on offer than talking serious government policy tonight

 Michelle Obama - who wore a $2,300 dress to meet the Pope this week - diplomatically opted for a black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown created by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang

 The state dinner comes after a day of crunch talks between Obama and Xi, which led to the two world powers reaching a 'common understanding' on steps to curb cyber spying

 President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greeted Chinese president Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan as they arrived

 Colorado lamb and Maine lobster are on the menu, while R&B singer Ne-Yo - who says his father is part-Chinese - will be performing a special set for guests at the dinner

The President's decision to give Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan the full-on pomp of a state dinner has frustrated some in the Republican party

The President's decision to give Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan the full-on pomp of a state dinner rankled some critics, including several GOP presidential candidates who said the Chinese were undeserving of such special treatment given recent behavior.

But Dan Kritenbrink, the National Security Council's senior director for Asian affairs, called it 'smart diplomacy' for the U.S. to reciprocate the hospitality that the Chinese have shown to the Obamas.

The state dinner comes after a day of crunch talks between Obama and Xi, which led to the two world powers reaching a 'common understanding' on steps to curb cyber spying.

But he warned the Asian nation it must demonstrate that it is not sponsoring cyber crime and espionage, and that it is enforcing the law against those using the Internet to steal U.S. companies' trade secrets.

'The question now is: are words followed by actions?' he said at a joint press conference with Xi. 'And we will be watching carefully to make an assessment as to whether progress has been made in this area.'

If China does not follow through, Obama said the United States will use sanctions, traditional law enforcement, and other measures 'to go after cyber criminals either retrospectively or prospectively,' a warning that the United States will work to prevent future crimes.