By Pemphero Malimba:
Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Lu Xu has called on Malawi and China to strengthen cooperation in sectors that create opportunities for citizens of both countries.
Lu said this during a gala marking the Year of People-to-People Exchanges and the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Lilongwe on Friday night.
She said the strength of the countries’ diplomatic relations should be measured through initiatives that benefit their citizens.
“The lesson we hold dear is this: Good governance is like learning a new dance. You have to keep learning, practising, adapting and always listen to the music of the people with a humble heart,” Lu said.
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She said people-to-people exchanges provide opportunities for citizens to share knowledge and work together to improve their communities.
Lu said China would continue working with Malawi in trade, infrastructure development, arts, education and health, while exploring opportunities to introduce advanced technology.
“We will explore more areas like high technology, such as the drone light show, because we want to bring new technology to this country. We believe that only if we develop together can we have long-lasting prosperity in the whole world, so nobody is left behind,” she said.
Lu said China had provided about $47 million in grants, debt relief and emergency food aid to Malawi since she took up her post last February.
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She also said China’s zero-tariff policy was helping Malawian products such as tea, coffee and nuts access the Chinese market.
During the event, Lu handed over scholarships to 20 outstanding students from the Malawi University of Science and Technology, University of Malawi and Mzuzu University.
Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda commended China for its continued support, saying it reflected the deepening relationship between the two countries.
He said Malawi looked forward to continued cooperation with China, particularly in areas such as culture.
As part of the event, a Chinese drone team staged a 500-drone light show featuring projects supported by China in Malawi, wildlife and the Malawi national women’s football team, the Scorchers.
