Bush discusses African crises, aid in Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam: US President George W. Bush on Sunday met Tanzania's leader to discuss Africa's political crises, before signing an almost $700-million grant to help stimulate economic growth in the east African nation.

The grant will help Tanzania improve infrastructure like roads, electricity and water supplies. Bush said ,"My hope is that such an initiative will be part of an effort to transform parts of this country to become more hopeful places."

On the second stop of a five-nation trip where he has received a warm welcome in one of the few regions he can claim foreign policy success, Bush will spend the day discussing projects to fight AIDS and malaria but will also address the growing terrorist threat in the region.

Bush, on his second Africa trip since he became president in 2001, was greeted at the State House with ceremonial drums and shook hands with Jakaya Kikwete before starting formal meetings.