By Cathy Maulidi & Feston Malekezo:
President Lazarus Chakwera has assured Ukraine of Malawi’s support, saying if there is anyone in Africa standing with Ukraine, then Malawi is on that list.
Chakwera made the remarks Monday after meeting Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who arrived in Malawi on Monday for a diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
A write-up from the State House indicates that Chakwera expressed gratitude to Ukraine for its unwavering support, particularly in providing food aid to Malawians affected by El-Nino and other disasters despite their own ordeal of Russian aggression back home.
“Ukraine has shown attributes of a true friend by coming to our rescue,” Chakwera said. “We will continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. If there is anyone in Africa standing with you, we are,” Chakwera said.
Speaking earlier, Kuleba reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to assisting Malawi, particularly in the area of food security.
“I came to express gratitude to the people of Malawi for consistent support and solidarity against the background of Russia’s aggression against my country. We discussed with the President [the issue of] how we can boost our relationship and how Ukraine can be helpful to Malawi, in particular [in the area of] food security,” he said.
In a related development, Malawi and Ukraine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political cooperation.
It seeks to strengthen the countries’ relations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo signed the MoU on behalf of Malawi, with Kuleba doing the same for the European country.
According to the MoU, the two countries will hold regular bilateral political consultations at the level of senior officials on a rotating basis.
“The agenda, date and venue of the consultation as well as the composition of the delegation will be jointly decided between the participants through diplomatic channels.
“The participants will hold consultations in order to review and evaluate all aspects of their bilateral relations and exchange views on ways forward with the aim of enhancing these relations, in particular in the spheres of politics, trade and economy, investment, finance, science and technology, tourism, culture and education and other areas,” the MoU reads.
The two countries have also agreed to discuss and explore possibilities for cooperation on international and regional issues of mutual concern at the bilateral level, as well as within the framework of the United Nations (UN) and other international fora.
“Within their framework of their competences, the participants will cooperate to encourage relations between their respective governmental institutions and agencies,” the pact reads.
Writing on X after meeting Chakwera Monday, Kuleba said the Ukrainian side appreciates Malawi’s firm and consistent stance on Russian aggression against Ukraine, as well as its support for the Peace Summit communique.
“Ukraine is not only grateful; we also want to be helpful. We are aware of the severe impact of climate change on Malawi’s food security. Per President Volodymyr Zelensky’s instructions, I conveyed [the message] that Ukraine has decided to assist Malawi as part of our ‘Grain From Ukraine’ programme,” Kuleba said.
At the UN General Assembly last year, Malawi voted to censure Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
However, more than 15 other African countries abstained from the vote.
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