By Cedric Nkungula
All expenses for President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera’s travel and that of his entourage to Kinshasa have been met by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Government, Malawi Government Spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu has announced.
Speaking to the media before President Chakwera’s departure to DRC at Chileka Airport in Blantyre on Friday afternoon, Kunkuyu explained that government is not defying the international trip ban announced last year to minimize on spending of public funds.
“Malawians should not panic,” emphasized Kunkuyu. “Nothing has changed regarding the international trips. All expenses for the president and his entourage will be met by DRC Government. This trip is very important to the two countries as it gives chance to the two leaders to discuss important regional security matters.”
While in DRC, will also attend the inauguration of DRC President – elect Felix Tshisekedi scheduled to take place on Saturday 20th January 2024.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two leaders are expected to hold urgent talks on regional security matters that affect Malawi Defence Force (MDF) troops currently deployed in peace keeping activities in Eastern DRC.
The statement added that Chakwera has temporarily suspended his public program of public engagements in the southern region to undertake the unscheduled trip to Kinshasa at the invitation of the DRC president.
“His Excellency the president is expected to depart for Kinshasa, DRC through Chileka Airport on Friday, 19th January 2024 at 11:00 hours and return on Sunday, 21 January 2024 at 18:25 hours through the same airport, for the resumption of his tour of duty in the southern region,” says the statement
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