…Chinese Government honours promise to charter plane for Malawi leader
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has this Wednesday morning arrived in Changsha, Hunan Province, in the People’s Republic of China, where he will be attending the 3rd China – Africa Economic and Trade Expo.
The President travelled to China on a flight specifically chartered for him by the Chinese Government.
He left Malawi on Tuesday on Kenya Airways and connected through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the Chinese chartered China Southern flight.
Prior to the trip, there were concern about Malawi footing the bill for the President and his entourage. However, China came in and promised to charter a plane for the Malawi leader and the team travelling with him.
Speaking on departure, Chakwera said he will take advantage of the conference to lobby for debt restructuring.
“It is great that we have been invited in this fashion. We will take advantage of this in order for us, not only to sell for Malawi, in terms of trade and what economic activities the two countries can accomplish for our benefit.
We will also want to talk about the debt levels that we have as bilateral agreement that have been made in the past and how we can continue in the future with the IMF programme,” said President Chakwera.
On arrival in China, President Chakwera who is accompanied by the First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera, were welcomed at Changsha Huanghua International Airport by Hon Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and an Envoy of Malawi to the People’s Republic of China, among other officials from both governments.
Later, President Chakwera was driven to Rongyuan State Guest House within the city of Changsha.
The iconic visit – a first for His Excellency since assuming office – is expected to pave way for significant economic and diplomatic trade avenues between Malawi and China.
President Chakwera will be delivering his key note address as Guest of Honor of the Chinese Government at the Expo, which is running from June 27th to July 2nd.