MDF eyes mega farm support from China
Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire says government is seeking collaborating partners to offer guidance on its Malawi National Service activities under Malawi Defence Force (MDF).
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the 97th anniversary of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China, hosted by Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe on Friday, the minister said Malawi is looking forward to enhanced bilateral relations and continued mutual benefits in various areas.
He said government has asked the Chinese Government to support megafarm activities by MDF.
Said Mkandawire: “I had just spoken to the Chinese ambassador on how they can assist us through the national service in the area of megafarms to help the country in food security and we will discuss that further.”
Through the militar y cooperation, PLA has assisted MDF in training, armament and exchange and further assisted in their counterpart in maize production.
On his part, Chinese Ambassador Long Zhou praised the two countries’ cooperation in various areas including military, vowing to strengthen the ties for continued mutual benefits.
The envoy also mentioned the contribution of PLA to global peace by contributing military personnel for peace keeping missions in conflict areas, assuring China’s commitment to contribute to global peace and security.
Speaking to the press on behalf of the embassy after the ceremony, outgoing Chinese Defence attache at the embassy in Malawi Liu Jiang Hong said defence is an important part of the cooperation between the two countries, citing that over the years important milestones have been achieved.
“In the recent years pragmatic cooperation between PLA and MDF has achieved a number of things. We’ve made progress in military trainings, high level officers visits and armament support,” said Liu.
