By Staff Writer:
President Lazarus Chakwera has arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Capital, Kinshasa for the 42nd Ordinary Summit of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit.
Chakwera alongside First lady Monica was welcomed at Ndjili Airport by DRC Prime Minister Jean Michel Sama Lukonde .
He, immediately after being briefied by Sama, got down to serious business with his DRC counterpart Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo where the two shared notes on critical issues within the SADC region.
In a brief interview after their otherwise brief preparatory meeting ahead of the main event tomorrow, Chakwera said the two agreed to enhance bilateral and regional ties to boost socio-economic growth.
“We have agreed to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange in mining, agriculture, technology, trade and other areas of mutual interest.
“We also touched on infrastructure development specifically road and railway transport as well as easing visa processes between the two nations,” Chakwera disclosed.
In his remarks, President Tshilomo expressed deep appreciation for Malawi’s resolute stance in repelling the seemingly ever budding terrorist and insurgent movements in the region; arguing that if left unchecked, they stand to derail the little gains the development bloc has made in socio-economic development.
“Yes, he’s been very much appreciative of the involvement of Malawi Defence Force troops in the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) in ensuring that peace and security return to the whole of DRC. This appreciation is humbling,” said Chakwera of his DRC counterpart.
President Chakwera also took the opportunity to send his warm wishes to Tshilomo ahead of handing over the SADC leadership mantle when the Summit officially opens tomorrow.
Said Chakwera: “I have personally encouraged him of the task ahead and pledged my untiring support towards his success.”
The two leaders also banged heads on how best to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries
The 42nd Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government will see Chakwera relinquish the chairmanship of the Southern Africa bloc which he has led for the past one year.
On a lighter note, the Malawi entourage was treated to some traditional dances upon arrival, reminiscing those from back home.
It might have been a familiar sight for Chakwera, who visibly enjoyed the dances on display as, just the weekend gone by, as he presided over the Umthetho Cultural Festival for the Ngonis held at the foot of Hora Mountain in Mzimba.
