NEW: VP Mohadi’s Malawi visit to cement bilateral relations

Roselyne Sachiti in LILONGWE, Malawi

Zimbabwe and Malawi have a deep-rooted historical connection, and Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s visit from August 23 to 26 for centenary celebrations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), along with other engagements, serves to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi Dr Nancy Saungweme outlined the history between Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

“Zimbabwe and Malawi are one. We are also now adding Zambia because they were all one country during colonial times. Because of that, people who were coming from Malawi to Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe to Malawi formed CCAP,” she said.

The visit by Vice President Mohadi to Malawi, Dr Saungweme added, will be important for the region.

“It is going to cement our relationship. Where God is, relationships are cemented. The coming of the Vice President is the best thing that has happened because we are going to be one family here in Malawi,” she said.

Amb Saungweme said high-level visits between Harare and Lilongwe showed the close bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, was in Harare to attend the successful SADC Summit, which was hosted by Zimbabwe.

“Since becoming President, the Malawian leader has paid official visits three times. His first visit was from September 30 to October 1 2020, just three months after his inauguration.

“He also undertook a one-day visit to Zimbabwe to attend the 11th Smart Africa Board Meeting, which was held in Victoria Falls on April 26, 2023,” she explained.

On the other hand, Dr Saungweme added, President Mnangagwa was in Malawi from May 31 to June 2, 2023 for a State visit.

“That visit was preceded by the 11th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Zimbabwe and Malawi in May 2023, where nine MoUs in various areas of interest were agreed.

“The JPCC provides a significant framework to consolidate our two countries’ development and cooperation,” said Amb Saungweme.