Chakwera holds bilateral talks with Chinese VP
President Lazarus Chakwera arrived in Beijing, China yesterday and hit the ground running by holding bilateral talks with People’s Republic of China Vice-President Han Zheng.
The President is in China for the fourth Forum for China Africa Cooperation (Focac) Summit from September 4 to 6 2024. He is also expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Han also hosted President Chakwera and his delegation to a dinner where he said Chakwera’s presence at the Focac signifies growing relations between Malawi and China.
“We are pleased to welcome you again to China for the Focac Summit. This comes after meeting you during your successful visit in June last year when you delivered the keynote address at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo [Caete],” he said.
Han said President Xi is looking forward to meeting Chakwera “to further discuss more areas of cooperation”.
In his remarks, President Chakwera hailed China for its support to Malawi since the establishment of diplomatic ties some 15 years ago. He said China’s support is felt across various sectors such as education, health, science and technology and energy.
Among the many projects the President mentioned are the ongoing dualisation of the M1 from Crossroads Roundabout to Kanengo in Lilongwe and the National Fibre Backbone Project II.
He said: “As we commemorate nearly two decades of our relationship, we affirm our unwavering commitment to deepening our partnership and exploring new opportunities.
“With regard to the upcoming Summit, Malawi enthusiastically embraces the inclusion of the Belt and Road Initiative in this year’s Focac sessions, particularly as it emphasises infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects”.
Chakwera said the Belt and Road Initiative presents an opportunity “to bolster support for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area”.
This is President Chakwera’s second official trip to China since winning the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election on June 23 2020. In June last year, he also attended Caete.
At least 40 African heads of State and government are expected to attend this year’s Focac.
