By Staff Writer:
President Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday morning joined other 17 heads of African states in witnessing the inauguration of Kenya’s new President William Ruto who triumphed over his closet challenger Raila Odinga in last month’s presidential elections.
Chakwera arrived in Nairobi in the early hours of Tuesday after his flight was delayed but was able to make it in time for the inauguration at the Arap Moi International Stadium.
Chakwera was joined by other heads of state from Tanzania, Sudan, Uganda, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe and Somalia just to mention a few.
Chakwera’s attendance of the inauguration ceremony signifies his commitment towards fostering bilateral ties between Malawi and other countries on the Africa continent.
Meanwhile Chakwera is expected to proceed to the United States of America for this year’s 77th Annual General Assembly of the United Nations.
This year’s UNGA is the first to be held physically since 2020 due the Covid-19 pandemic which saw counties imposing travel restrictions.
Chakwera has since described the Assembly as a perfect opportunity for Malawi to seek solutions to the prevailing social and economic challenges in the country.
“This is a working trip as we engage world leaders and heads of international institutions from across all sectors of development. Our underlying goal is to bring from New York tangible outcomes in terms of multilateral and bilateral support from development partners in our quest to improve livelihoods of Malawians,” wrote Chakwera on his Facebook page.
Chakwera further feels that the Assembly which will be held under theme, ‘A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges’, will seek workable solutions to some of the world’s most vexing issues from poverty, development and climate change to peace and security.
Chakwera is expected to address General Assembly next week Thursday, September 22, 2022.
Apart from addressing the Assembly Chakwera is also to hold other high profile side meetings including having an audience with US President Joe Biden.
He is also expected to meet the head of USAID.
The president is also expected to sign on behalf of the people of Malawi a five-year multimillion dollar compact project with the Millenium Challenge Corporation which aims at uplifting the country’s infrastructure development by among other things constructing durable roads across the country.
