Chilima meets IMF rep, supports Poppy appeal

Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Wednesday met new International Monetary Fund (IMF) resident representative Nelnan Koumtingue and discussed issues concerning the country’s economy.

Later, in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Chilima described the talks held at Capital Hill as fruitful.

Said Chilima: “We held fruitful discussions on a number of issues concerning the economy. We remain hopeful and focused as we look ahead to yielding positive results with them.”

Koumtingue was appointed IMF resident representative on September 6 this year replacing Farayi Gwenhamo.

Currently, Malawi is facing multiple challenges, particularly those caused by exogenous shocks which have in turn eroded the country’s hard-earned gains towards the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals and IMF is working with government for a new Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to help ease balance of payment challenges,

Earlier on Wednesday, the Veep interacted with Veterans and Ex-service League of Malawi (Velom)  officials, who presented him with the second Poppy ahead of Remembrance Day on November 11.

He said: “We salute Velom chairperson General Henry Odilo [retired], who led the delegation, for their efforts in ensuring that our veterans are well looked after.

“Indeed, having fought for us, having fought for world peace – they must not be fighting to have the next meal. It is our collective duty to thank them by supporting them.”

Remembrance Sunday is the Sunday nearest to November 11, which is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War in 1918 at 11 am. The day is commemorated across the world, mostly in Commonwealth countries.