Malawi News

Lazarus Chakwera lauds Malawi, Mozambique ties

Lazarus Chakwera lauds Malawi, Mozambique ties

By Jarson Malowa & Thomas Kachere:

President Lazarus Chakwera has said relations with Mozambique will help the country meet its socio-economic development goals.

Chakwera made the remarks at the University of Malawi (Unima)’s Great Hall in Zomba Wednesday, when Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi was conferred with an honorary PhD in international affairs and diplomacy (Honoris Causa).

The President said the gesture would go a long way in strengthening the two countries’ relationship.

In his nine-minute speech, Chakwera also said Malawi and Mozambique now support each other in several aspects, ranging from climate change to disease outbreaks.

He further cited economic development, gender equality, conflict resolution, infrastructural development, trade and cultural exchange as other areas of interest to the neighbouring countries.

“Our cordial relationship has been most instrumental and for that I am proud to call him Malawi’s finest friend. This also tightens relations between Malawi and Mozambique,” Chakwera said.

Chakwera said this was a third time to have a similar activity at the university since its inception 59 years ago.

In his acceptance speech, Nyusi expressed gratitude to the Unima Chancellor [Chakwera], the university’s Vice Chancellor and his council.

“Thank you. I have been honoured. I and my brother, Chakwera, have been working together through sorrow and pain. For example, [we worked together] during the time of Cyclone Freddy. We worked closely,” Nyusi said.

Earlier, Unima Vice Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, said the day was memorable to the institution.

“This also marks a new way of strengthening the bond we have with Mozambique,” he said.

Newly appointed Unima Council Chairperson, Christopher Guta, said they would continue delivering quality education to students.