Malawi Government and the European U n i o n ( E U ) yesterday held a second partnership dialogue with a commitment to continue strengthening cooperation and address common challenges, including promotion of democracy, rule of law, governance and human rights.
Held under the EU’s partnership agreement with the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, known as the Samoa Agreement, the meeting took place at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe. It followed the first one held in March this year.
Reads the joint statement on the meeting: “The EU and Malawi underlined the importance of cooperation as equal partners and looked forward to advancing their mutually beneficial partnership. The dialogue was followed by an audience with His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.”
The statement further said Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to the long-lasting partnership with the EU.
Speakers at the event included European External Action Service managing director for Africa Rita Laranjinha who said the partnership between Malawi and the EU reflects a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and inclusive global order.
Malawi’s delegation also included Cabinet ministers Simplex Chithyola Banda (Finance), Vera Kamtukule (Tourism), Ibrahim Matola (Energy), Jacob Hara (Transport and Public Works) as well as Deputy Minister of Local Government Owen Chomanika and Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda.
T h e E U t e a m incl uded European Commission deputy director-general Myriam Ferran, EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach and ambassadors from Germany, Ireland, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France and the Netherlands.
The meeting coincided with the first Malawi-EU Investment Forum taking place in Lilongwe. The dialogue meetings are held twice a year at the highest political levels and allow Malawi and the EU to exchange views on issues of common interest and agree on priorities for the bilateral, regional and multilateral agenda.
