His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi is today, Saturday 11th November 2023, expected to witness the signing of financial agreement between the Saudi Fund for Development and Malawi government for the construction of Mangochi/Makanjira road.
The Malawi leader, who is attending a three-day first-ever Saudi-Africa summit along other African leaders, officially addressed the forum yesterday, Friday, and has, in his address, hailed the diplomatic ties between Malawi and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying it has potential to provide significant economic empowerment for the country.
The President highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Malawi and Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1999, highlighting on tangible economic benefits that have resulted in favour of Malawi from this partnership.
“The partnership between Malawi and Saudi Arabia will unlock endless socioeconomic possibilities for my country and Africa,” said President Chakwera.
“One such fruit is the humanitarian assistance, worth half a million dollars, that Malawi received from the King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid, following the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy,” he added.
“Another is the ongoing development of Malawi’s infrastructure by the Saudi Fund for Development, as is the case in other African countries. Malawi has great potential for mining, energy, and other areas, as well as an energetic youthful population,” said the Malawi leader.
The Saudi government has declared that the Saudi-Africa summit which is currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi’s capital, as a game changer for both African countries and the Saudi Arabia.
Describing Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner for Africa in advancing the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, President Chakwera expressed optimism about the future collaborations that could further elevate the socio-economic landscape of both Malawi and the African continent.