Malawi’s President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera touched down in Beijing on Monday, setting the stage for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which runs from September 4th to 6th. Arriving in grand fashion, President Chakwera, alongside First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, was greeted at Beijing Capital International Airport by an esteemed delegation that included Ms. Cao Shumin, head of China’s State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, Beijing Municipal Vice Chairman Mr. Han, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, and Malawi’s Ambassador to China, Allan Chintedza.
The president’s visit is packed with pivotal engagements, starting with high-stakes bilateral talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, followed by a formal dinner at the prestigious Diaoyutai State Guest House.
But the real crown jewel of Chakwera’s journey is the anticipated bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a summit within the summit, where the future of Malawi-China relations will be forged.
In addition to his participation in FOCAC, President Chakwera will dive into high-level discussions with leading Chinese companies and top government officials, laying the groundwork for future partnerships.
As the 4th FOCAC Summit prepares to kick off on Wednesday at the iconic Great Hall of the People, the stage is set for a week of diplomatic moves that could shape Malawi’s trajectory for years to come.
