By Staff Reporter
Government says it continues to cherish the longstanding bilateral relationship that exists between Malawi and Zimbabwe which has seen the two countries whose people share a common heritage and common values mutually benefiting.
Speaking when he represented Malawi government on the occasion of the 43rd Independence Day celebration for Zimbabwe on Saturday at Zimbabwean Embassy in Lilongwe, Minister of Homeland Security, Ken Zikhale Ng’oma said attainment of independence by Zimbabwe on April 18th 1980 opened doors of opportunities for both Zimbabweans and Malawians.
He applauded the joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) by Lilongwe and Harare which continues to bear fruits for the two countries’ economy though trade.
“The people of Zimbabwe were among the first to respond to the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Freddy by donating 300 metric tonnes of maize, 30 metric tonnes of non-food items to relieve the suffering of the victims of the cyclone. In addition to that, Zimbabwe has just donated to Malawi 30 tonnes of cement which will be followed by 30 tonnes of planks of timber,” Zikhale Ng’oma said.
The Minister said like other SADC countries, Malawi is concerned with sanctions that were imposed on Zimbabwe which are currently affecting innocent civilians, including women and children. He called upon western countries to consider removing the sanctions after contact and dialogue.
In her remarks, Zimbabwe Ambassador to Malawi, Dr Nancy Saungweme said Malawi remains a true partner for Zimbabwe and has stood by Zimbabwe at all times.
She said Zimbabwe is looking forward to the next session of Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Malawi and Zimbabwe where negotiations of all the important aspects which will move the cooperation forward would be concluded.
Saungweme has since invited Malawi to participate at the forthcoming 63rd edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2023, which will be held from 25 to 26 April, and likewise, she has also announced that Zimbabwe will participate at the Takulandilani Malawi Tourism Expo from 26 to 27 April, 2023 in Lilongwe.
