China, Malawi celebrate bilateral relations
Malawi and China on Friday celebrated their seven years of bilateral ties with pledges to support each other in the years to come.
Malawi and China established bilateral relations on December 28 2007 after Lilongwe switched ties from its long-time partner, Republic of China (RoC).
Speaking during the ceremony at the Chinese Ambassador’s residence in Lilongwe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda described the two countries’ ties as one of the best that had benefited people of the two nations.
He said within the seven-year period, China has assisted Malawi in a number of areas ranging from education and health to defence and infrastructure development.
Said Chaponda: “I thank former president the late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika for the decision he made of choosing China as our friend.”
He mentioned projects such as the construction of the Chitipa-Karonga Road, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must), Parliament Building, presidential villas and the National Stadium in Lilongwe as fruits of the relationship.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Qingyang said since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations had seen the fast-tracking of development aid to Malawi.
Zhang said this was a true reflection of sincerity, real results affinity and good faith representing the four pillars of China’s foreign policy towards Africa.
