APM taking 15 abroad

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda has said President Peter Mutharika will lead a delegation of between 10 and 15 people on his three assignments in Malta, United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa.

From Monday, the President will embark on a three-nation visit that will take him to Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (Chogm), the United Kingdom (UK) and later South Africa for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac).

Briefing journalists in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chaponda said the President will return home after two weeks.

Government’s apparent proactive approach to providing details about the President’s trip comes against the background of attacks for taking a bloated entourage of 106 people to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at a time the country appealed for humanitarian food aid to feed 2.8 million people facing starvation.

But when queried further on the definition of a lean delegation, Chaponda said there would be “about 10 to 15 people”.

The President has also come under attack for chartering a private jet for international trips, but Chaponda could only disclose that he was not aware of the flight details as these are coordinated by the director general of State Residences.

The Chogm Mutharika will attend from November 27 to 29 under the theme Commonwealth: Adding Global Value would be preceded by the Commonwealth Business Forum where leaders of the Commonwealth are expected to share ideas on trade, investment and enterprises, but also improving access and outcomes of the health sector.

From Malta, Mutharika will deliver a keynote address Investing in the Next Generation at the Global Investment Summit to be held in London from December 2, 2015.