Iceland Premier calls for accountability

Icelandic Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson yesterday conluded his five-day visit to Malawi with a call for accountability of resources to ensure continued success in development.

Speaking during a press conference he jointly addressed with President Lazarus Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, he expressed his government’s commitment to continue supporting Malawi.

Benediktsson said he was impressed with the impact of the relationship between his government and Malawi, but urged that accountability is key for continued success.

He said: “We all are in agreement that accountability is a condition for continued success and for a successful partnership. I think it is a good foundation for our agreement.”

Benediktsson committed to continue supporting Malawi’s development efforts, saying his government intends to expand the support it is providing.

He said: “We were very happy to expand our cooperation in 2022 from Mangochi to Nkhotakota District. And under review is to expand to a third  district in Malawi.”

On his part, Chakwera commended the Iceland Government for its continued support to Malawi.

He said he invited the Prime Minister to express Malawi’s gratitude for the support Iceland is providing to Malawi but also to celebrate together the 35 years of relationship.

Said Chakwera: “As a case in point, you will recall that just seven months ago, I broke the ground for the construction of a state-of-the-art maternity wing at Makanjira Centre for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care, which was made possible with support from Iceland.”

The President also commended the Iceland Prime Minister’s advocacy on issues of climate financing, especially where it requires developed nations to fulfil their pledges to developing nations.

Benediktsson arrived in the country on Sunday and his itinerary included holding bilateral talks with Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace on Monday, opening the African Population Conference, and visiting projects funded by his government.

The Iceland Government supports Malawi in various sectors including human rights, education, health and arts.