State President Lazarus Chakwera Tuesday had an audience with People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping where the Malawi leader described China as a genuine friend and partner.
Chakwera is in China, where he is expected to participate in the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) summit.
Chakwera committed to maintaining open channels of engagement and addressing China’s core interests, while also anticipating enhanced interaction under the newly announced Strategic Partnership arrangement.
He expressed gratitude that China had committed to finalising preparatory work for the construction of a Judicial Complex in Lilongwe, following the signing of an agreement between the two governments.
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“I must also thank Your Excellency for the continued support in various areas, such as debt restructuring, ongoing construction projects, scholarships and capacity- building programmes, as well as the various ways your esteemed nation has offered timely humanitarian assistance in the wake of climate-related disasters,” Chakwera said.
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The Malawi leader emphasised that the Belt and Road Initiative presents a vital opportunity to bolster support for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The establishment of a single African market, a beacon of hope, aligns with the mutual interests of African countries and China, holding the potential to foster global economic development through increased trade and investment flows,” he said.
Xi expressed China’s readiness to deepen relations with Malawi to achieve a strategic partnership.
He commended Chakwera for his efforts in implementing transformational development in Malawi.
