Malawi approves the credentials of the representative of the Regional Office for the Southern African Region
Malawi's president: The government is committed to supporting regional integration efforts.
Written by: Ziad Abdel Fattah
Malawi's President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, affirmed that the government remains committed to supporting efforts regional integration The continental goal is to improve the lives of people across Africa, and create opportunities for inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
Mutharika made these remarks on Monday, during his reception of the credentials of the representative of the African Union's Southern Africa Regional Office, Hilda Soka Mafudzi, at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Strong relations with the African Union
He explained that Malawi values its close relationship with the African Union, particularly with the Southern Africa Regional Office.
He added that the accreditation of the Regional Office's envoy for South Africa had strengthened these relations, and the President pledged to provide full support to the Regional Office for South Africa.
Optimism regarding the African Union's Agenda 2063
Mutharika said: “As you assume your responsibilities in this region, be assured of the full cooperation and support of the Government and people of Malawi in carrying out your duties,” adding: “We are optimistic about the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and we affirm our readiness to contribute effectively to building the Africa we want.“.
He said that Malawi as a country has crystallized a continental vision through “Malawi 2063”, a national ambition to become an industrialized, high-middle-income country by 2063.
Friendly relations between Malawi and the African Union
He expressed confidence in the term of office of the regional envoy, saying that she would strengthen friendly relations between Malawi and the African Union in priority sectors, namely: agriculture and food security; climate change mitigation; trade and investment; education and capacity building; and peace and security.
Mutharika said: “I firmly believe that the African Union is the cornerstone of our continent’s collective advancement. It not only provides a framework for shared growth, but also a dynamic platform for unlocking social and economic opportunities that empower our youth.”.
He added: “Through unity of purpose, policy coordination, and a spirit of solidarity, the African Union enables us to harness our enormous resources, promote regional integration, and ensure that the next generation inherits a continent characterized by progress, innovation, and hope.”.
For her part, Mafudze appreciated her meeting with Mutharika, saying: “We talked about the continent’s competitive advantage and what it can offer the world.”.
She said: “We discussed what we would like to see in the region: other regions in Africa view us as a very strong region on the continent, and this integration that we are talking about should start from the region.”.
She added that the establishment of a regional African office in Malawi would strengthen the relationship between the African Union and Malawi, and that activities involving the 16 member states in the region would begin from Malawi.
