China-Malawi relations clock eight

Diplomatic relations between Malawi and China have this year clocked eight years and the Chinese Government has said it will always be available as Malawi’s key partner in development.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Qingyang, speaking on the sidelines of the eighth anniversary celebrations, said there is a solid foundation for further development of the two countries’ relations.

Said the Ambassador: “We will always be available for Malawi for anything that will result in the development of the country. Eight years ago the two countries established diplomatic ties and from then on, cooperation has developed rapidly and produced fruitful results in various fields with the joint efforts of both sides. There is a solid foundation for further development of our relationship.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation George Chaponda thanked China for being Malawi’s development partner in different fields, including education and infrastructure development.

Said Chaponda: “There are several development projects that the country has witnessed since we made that diplomatic switch. Just before the end of this year, we will open Malawi’s ‘five-star’ stadium in Lilongwe. This is just the tip of the iceberg as a lot has and continues to happen in Malawi by China.

“They will also soon help with the training of Malawi in counter-terrorism through a grant that will definitely make a difference to Malawi’s security. Other than that, the grant will also help in purchasing of new police vehicles.”

Malawi switched ties from Republic of China (Taiwan) to People’s Republic of China in 2007.

On the economic front, trade volume between Malawi and China has risen from $43 million in 2007 to $250 million last year in favour of China. n